The Art of Surveillance

In the digital age, we are giving up our data freely to Google, Facebook, WhatsApp and other social media platforms.

art, installation

Surveillance and Personal Freedom

Surveillance has been a tool of governments throughout history, used to monitor and control people. This has often been criticized and opposed, but things are changing.

We have little control over our data, and our personal rights and privacy are under attack. At the same time, we want greater government protection from other attacks, whether real or imagined. Video surveillance is the answer, and we are increasingly accepting it as a normal part of life.

The images captured by surveillance cameras are linked to personal data from all available sources. This creates a comprehensive profile of our lives, which can be used to track our movements, monitor our activities, and even predict our behaviour. The sculpture/installation by David Mesguich and DOT DOT DOT reflects this dramatic development. It is a giant eye that watches us as we go about our daily lives. The eye is made up of thousands of small screens, each of which displays a different image of us.

The sculpture is a reminder that we are constantly being watched, and that our data is being collected and used in ways that we may not even be aware of. It is a call to action, urging us to think about the implications of surveillance for our personal freedom.

We are increasingly giving up our privacy in exchange for convenience and security

In the digital age, we are constantly surrounded by technology that collects and stores our personal data. We use smartphones, laptops, and other devices to access the internet, shop online and stay connected with friends and family. These devices track our movements, our online activity, and even our personal preferences. Giving up our privacy in exchange for convenience and security. For example, we may agree to share our location data with a ride-sharing app in order to get a ride home. We may also agree to let a store track our purchases in order to receive personalized discounts.

While these conveniences may be appealing, it is important to remember that they come at a cost. When we share our personal data, we are giving up control over who sees it and how it is used. This data can be used to track our movements, monitor our activities, and even predict our behaviour. In some cases, this data can be used for malicious purposes. For example, it could be used to target us with advertising or to discriminate against us.

The installation above is a call to awareness, a call to be aware of the risks of giving up our privacy and take steps to protect ourselves. We can do this by being careful about what personal information we share online and by using strong passwords and security settings. We also need to demand more transparency from the companies that collect our data. These companies should tell us what data they collect, how they use it, and who they share it with.

Only by being aware of the risks and demanding more transparency can we protect our privacy in the digital age.

The BERLIN GLOBAL exhibition at the Humboldt Forum explores the city's global connections. It features exhibits on Berlin's history, its culture and its people. The exhibition also looks at the future of Berlin and how the city will continue to shape the world.

Opening Hours
Mon + Wed – Sun | 10.30 a.m. – 6.30 p.m.
Tue | closed

IMAGE: sculpture/installation by David Mesguich and DOT DOT DOT

CREDIT: Razvan Chiorean

© RAZVAN CHIOREAN g a l l e r y

I hope you enjoyed this article about the Art of Surveillance.

✯✯✯ 

Discover Our Free Exhibitions

Explore More