Gallery: Paula Scher's Insanely Detailed US Maps Elevate Data Viz to Fine Art

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    Paula Scher
    01

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    Paula Scher's hand-painted maps play with the idea of information overload.
  • This map outlines the median house costs across the country.
    Paula Scher
    02

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    This map outlines the median house costs across the country.
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    Paula Scher
    03

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    Scher paints layers of data onto each other to create a dizzying effect.
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    Paula Scher
    04

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    This map looks at flight patterns.
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    Paula Scher
    05

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    Unlike her graphic design work, Scher's maps aren't meant to communicate a message.
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    Paula Scher
    06

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    Rather, they're meant to evoke feelings.
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    Paula Scher
    07

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    A map of zip codes and counties.
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    Paula Scher
    08

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    Scher says most of her paintings are generally about populations.
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    Paula Scher
    09

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    The maps aren’t painstakingly accurate; they’re close enough to create a sense of tension between what’s correct and incorrect.
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