Projections brings into focus the Lopez Memorial Museum's extensive rare map collection. It is perhaps the very first time the museum's history that the maps have become the central feature of any exhibition. We are pleased that we are finally able to share this with the public.

Amidst the formidable number and marvelous variety of maps are interspersed rare book that retell voyages made by colonizers centuries back, stories backed with excitement and apprehension as they ventured into unknown lands. Artworks, too, that relate and arise from notions of geographical concepts, old and new, will enable viewers to expand their imaginative horizons.

What heightens the viewer's involvement with this exhibit, however, is not just the appreciation of maps as artifacts, but rather the concept of using the maps as a springboard for thoughts questions, discourses and musings-encouraging divergent and tangential reveries and reflections. The exhibition then lends the opportunity to rise to a kind of mind's journey that weaves in and out of art, history, geography, cartography and touches gently on the soul's longing for a 'boundless' flight into the places and real conjured. A level that most exhibitions, such as this, seek to achieve.

The museum hopes that the featured maps, rare books and artworks generate sustainable interest among a younger generation of scholars and museum goers, while treating its current audience to newer and greater perspectives of the collection and fresh approach to geography and its study.

For this exhibition, the Lopez Memorial Museum is grateful to Lena Cabangbang, Erwin Leaņo, Mafe Baluyos, and Lordy Rodriguez for the added dimension their works have contributed.

To Bayanmap for providing the 21st century technological edge to the show and supporting contemporary arts and its realization.

To Dr. Leovino Ma. Garcia for imparting his invaluable knowledge, advice and time through his excellent essay, revealing that scholarship in antiquarian maps continues to this day with a scholar's passion.

To Guada Reyes for the unselfish contribution of her immense talent, skills and time during the exhibition's conception and installation.

To Vincent Tan for making time to help in the installation of areas of the exhibition, showing that sometimes it is in practice that theory does take form.

Asian Tigers Lane Moving and Storages for being our constant partners in the proper handling of valuable artwork and supporting us in the transit of international art for the exhibition.

Abigail Messite of Clementine Gallery in New York for being helpful during the loan of her gallery's art works.

To the entire museum staff for their dedication to the Museum and to the care of the collections.

To all those whose tireless efforts and contributions continue to inspire us to take our mission of strengthening of our heritage to greater heights.

Mercedes Lopez Vargas
Director