Plans that don't include you

Tori Stowe's mixed media artworks intricately blend nautical and historical maps with depictions of marine creatures, particularly turtles and hermit crabs. These pieces, commissioned for this exhibition, symbolise the interconnectedness of marine life and human histories of ocean navigation. Referencing mythological tales of turtles carrying the world on their backs, Stowe's work explores the dual nature of maps as tools for exploration and instruments of colonialism, drawing attention to the impending Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) in South Africa. MSP, a strategic approach to managing ocean resources, aims to balance ecological, social, and economic objectives, yet raises concerns about transparency and participation. Stowe's artwork prompts critical reflection on the potential biases and power dynamics inherent in MSP decision-making processes, asking who gets included in the maps we make? Despite its global acceptance, MSP's implementation may exacerbate inequalities and marginalise communities reliant on the ocean, echoing past racist planning policies like the Group Areas Act. As MSP gains traction worldwide, including in South Africa, questions arise about its impact on ocean accessibility and who benefits from its spatial planning. Stowe's work challenges the neutrality of MSP algorithms and calls attention to potential biases within decision-making models, particularly concerning racial and class disparities. By highlighting the exclusion of local and Indigenous knowledge in MSP processes. Ultimately, Stowe's artwork invites viewers to consider the complexities of ocean governance and the need for inclusive and equitable approaches to marine resource management.