Serpentine's new marathon takes topographical route

The latest Serpentine Gallery annual “marathon” – a marathon series of debates by over 50 artists, poets, writers and philosophers, among others- takes places in London this weekend. The subject matter? Maps.

The speakers won’t just be delving into traditional topography. They will be scribbling, describing, laying-out and predicting maps, charts, atlases and diagrams of our world today and its direction in the coming decade.

Map marathon participants include artists Gilbert & George, Kader Attia, Marina Abromovic, architect David Adjaye, astronomer David Sasselov and writer Russell Hoban. There will also be a musical performance from Genesis P-Orridge.

This will be the fifth year in a row that Serpentine director of international projects Hans Ulrich Obrist’s marathon concepts have been brought to life. Maps follows the Interview Marathon (2006), the Experiment Marathon (2007), Manifesto Marathon (2009) and last year’s Poetry Marathon.

The marathon is “designed to challenge notions of art, culture, science, technology, methods of public discourse and debate,” according to its creators.

Those taking part have submitted visual representations of their maps for inclusion in discussions and for a book of works on the subject compiled by Obrist which is due for publication in 2011.

Click here or on the image to see a selection of maps

Map Marathon, a two-day live event, takes place on the 16 and 17 October at the Royal Geographical Society in London. Tickets £25/£20 (two day) or £15/£10 (one day), ticketweb.co.uk