Through other projects that explore implements of control and working with medieval icons, Michael Arcega came to realize that cartography was one of the most powerful tools of domination. Maps allowed the powerful states and nations to be able to divide the globe at their will regardless of the populations that dwell in those lands. Arcega’s hand colored etching, Theirs and Arse (Arse is a clever play on the word, Ours) exaggerates and satirizes the arbitrary borders and names that have been drawn since the early days of cartography.

Special thanks to Kala Art Institute for helping to produce this edition. Special thanks also to Heather Marx Gallery.