Under Surveillance
Performance · 2007
Single channel HD with stereo sound · 9’21 · Edition of 10 + 2 AP
6 Photographs · Edition of 10 + 2 AP
Under Surveillance I · photograph · 2007
Everyday people dressed in black with high visibility vests marked Under Surveillance, wearing name badges with only a barcode and number, performed as Officials conducting surveillance. This art intervention masquerading as a real everyday event took place in Martin Place, Sydney at lunchtime during a working day.
Under Surveillance II · photograph · 2007
Under Surveillance III · photograph · 2007
The performers photographed and filmed people in public to stimulate awareness of the level of surveillance our society is subjected to. Moving through the crowd and invading people’s personal space, they recorded what people ate, what they said, what they did and who they associated with.
If anyone complained about the surveillance or the invasion of their privacy, they were given a card with only a telephone number they could call to discuss their concerns. No one asked why they were under surveillance, or what would happen to their image.
What does this loss of privacy and loss of freedom that accompanies heightened scrutiny mean for us?
Opening minute · Under Surveillance · 2007
For collectors
Under Surveillance is available as a performance work, single-channel HD film and 1 photograph. Works are a limited edition of 10 + 2 AP and start from €3,000 unframed.
Enquire about this workFor galleries and curators
Under Surveillance is available for exhibition, screening, loan and re-performance. Proposals and studio visits are welcome.
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