The Surveillance Printer is a ubiquitous surveillance and data-gathering system that explores the ramifications of facial recognition technology. Through a careful fusion of ASCII art, a dot matrix printer, and an intellectually stimulating interactive encounter, the artwork exposes the disconcerting truth of individuals giving up control of their own images.
Upon entering the exhibition, visitors encounter six framed portraits crafted using ASCII characters. These portraits symbolize printers, drawing attention to the expansive digital landscape and highlighting the questionable practices of corporations in collecting and utilizing personal data. At the core of the installation is a file storage unit hosting a Dot Matrix Printer continuously fed with a stream of 2500 pages. On top of it sits a webcam cleverly shaped like a CCTV camera, featuring facial recognition capabilities. This arrangement initiates a nuanced interaction between technology and human engagement, representing the intricate dynamics of privacy and surveillance in the digital era.
Presented at BFA Show 2023, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Images that were left behind by viewers
Shredded papers
2023. 04 - Ryan Oh