The Watchers is a critique of the pervasive surveillance culture in modern society, drawing parallels to the concept of the ‘Watchers' in Mesopotamian mythology. In ancient texts, the Watchers were celestial beings who observed and sometimes intervened in human affairs, often in a detached and controlling way. The installation reimagines this idea in the context of surveillance, where individuals are constantly monitored by government and corporate entities through public observation and social media.
MOVING IMAGE INSTALLATION
The Watchers, 2014
Through unsettling visuals and sound, The Watchers explores how modern surveillance systems not only track and control individuals but also commodify personal data for profit, particularly through targeted advertising. The installation reflects on the loss of privacy and autonomy in a hyper-connected world, encouraging viewers to consider the ethical implications of constant monitoring and the normalisation of surveillance. It draws attention to how modern surveillance, much like the ancient Watchers, is intertwined with power, manipulation, and control.