Dear Hunter

Dear Hunter is a cartopological research practice, managed by Marlies Vermeulen and Remy Kroese. Referring to the behaviour and methods of hunters, we produce alternative maps and atlases through qualitative fieldwork which incorporates relatively long periods of living and working on-site. Hunting after so-called sea monsters, symbolic creatures that used to be depicted on maps from earlier times, our maps contain specific, symbolic and ‘intimate’ knowledge. As sea monsters enchanted viewers, educated them about what could be found in the sea, about the fears of sailors, indicated which parts still needed to be conquered and, at times, highlighted the overall importance of religion to the conquerors, the maps of Dear Hunter offer a different perspective on an existing situation and also lead to insights applicable within spatial, economical or cultural development. Because we mediate between user and designer, our clients are (especially) governments, local authorities and design agencies. We also give lectures and workshops for educational and professional purpose. We work with a.o. the Dutch governmental organization Staatsbosbeheer, cities and municipalities in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Sweden and the universities Zuyd hogeschool (NL), RWTH Aachen (D) and KU Leuven (B).