User:Berna Bereit Project That May or May Not Be Made
These proposals originally were developed in this pad, but not all of them made it to the wiki page: https://pad.xpub.nl/p/bernadette-geiger-t3-methods. The accompanied research and developing process done for this project can be read here: https://pad.xpub.nl/p/bernadette-geiger-re-observer
Explore other May or May Not Be Made Projects here: RapidPrototypeandProject that May
re-observer
What is it?
"re-observer" is an installation that puts visitors in the role of a surveillance camera. On the one hand, it forces a moment of observation, while at the same time making transparent what these semi-hidden cameras see, questioning it's purpose for security.
In the aesthetically seamless form of a surveillance camera, users become observers themselves by holding the re-observer. Similar to a video recorder, they can look through the camera lens at the other end of the surveillance camera via a small 7-inch LCD display and observe their surroundings. Based on a list of instructions, they performatively become CCTV at the moment of surveillance. In doing so, they transform themselves from the observed to the observers.
Why make it?
In the modern urban landscape, surveillance systems are often presented as an essential part of a comprehensive security infrastructure. However, these systems, which are supposed to protect us, consist of numerous small black boxes that record data opaquely. On the outside, they appear to be subtle objects, inconspicuously integrated into the cityscape and easy to overlook. But inside they harbour a complex system that collects a wide range of data and, depending on the legal situation, can be connected to personal information to trace people.
The "re-observer" is an post-optimal object that draws attention to the topics of surveillance.
Imagine yourself in the role of the observer. You become aware of the numerous surveillance points and their potential range. Your attention is focussed on the subtle presence of these objects, which you might hardly have noticed before. You start to ask yourself questions: What data is being collected? Who has access to this information? How is it being used?
This reflection leads to a critical examination of the omnipresence of surveillance and the balance between security and privacy. The opaque black boxes in the cityscape are more than just technical devices; they symbolise a field of tension in which the need for security must be weighed against the right to privacy.
Timetable
15.05 - 20.05: fully formulate concept + references/sources
21.05 - 28.05: think of technical aspects - How could it be built? What compontents do I need? Sketches for help
28.05: List for ordering electronics
29.05 - 05.06: Close primary research
05.06 - 19.06: production of product
20.06: testing
21.06 - 26.06: final changes + set up for SI24 lauch
27.06: SI24 launch built up
Previous practice
In a previous project I developed pixel glasses that protect people from being recognized by CCTV (http://bernadettegeiger.com/working_with_against_technology.html)
Relation to a wider context
#antisurveillance #cctv #piracyforprivacy #whatismydataworth
Rapid prototype template
Additional Reference
- FaceValue by Simon C. Niquille (https://www.wired.com/2013/10/thwart-facebooks-creepy-auto-tagging-with-these-bizarre-t-shirts/ )
- reflectacles (https://www.reflectacles.com/ )
- https://qz.com/10-fashions-to-help-you-confuse-facial-recognition-syst-1851112545
- https://www.businessinsider.nl/clothes-accessories-that-outsmart-facial-recognition-tech-2019-10?international=true&r=US
- https://projectkovr.com/
- https://cybernews.com/privacy/anti-surveillance-fashion/
- https://yr.media/tech/guide-to-anti-surveillance-fashion/
Sources
[1] Mareis, Claudia: Unsichtbares Design und post-optimale Objekte. Interfacedesign und Entmaterialisierungsdiskurse seit circa 1960. In: Bartz, Christina;Kaerlein, Timo;Miggelbrink, Monique;Neubert, Christoph: Gehäuse: Mediale Einkapselungen. Paderborn: Fink 2019, S. 93-114. DOI: 10.25969/mediarep/3961.