Surveillance curated by Rachel Vancelette | 2009

PRESS RELEASE:

SURVEILLANCE CURATED BY RACHEL D. VANCELETTE

Affirmation Arts is pleased to announce “Surveillance”, a group show curated by Rachel D. Vancelette, featuring artists: Yasmine Chatila, Tomory Dodge, Jeffrey Gibson, Charles Harlan, Shin il Kim, Caitlin Maloney, and Angelo Plessas. 

“Surveillance” is defined as "close or vigilant watch over someone or something," and derives, by way of the French veiller, from the Latin term vigilare, meaning "to keep watch.” Artists have historically been the gatekeepers of society’s public accounts, and today they continue to mirror our daily lives. Whether it is through the Internet, virtual social networking, photography, painting or multimedia-based technologies, artists are always interrupting and interpreting the reality of today’s information age.

Surveillance presents the diverse studio practices of seven artists who remind us all that they are indeed keeping watch over this explosive and public exchange of information. In recent years the continual bombardment of virtual information has radically transformed the world, and these artists are among those who are constantly redefining its boundaries and content. The necessity and proliferation of surveillance techniques have become a large part of our everyday lives. Whether or not our society at large is conscious of these invasions and observations, it is clear that this diverse group of artists is engaging and addressing these critical issues.

In an age where the excess of information has produced false, invasive and voyeuristic avenues in both the private and public domain, these artists remind us of the daily observation, private moments, intimate encounters, and public cyberworld of virtual activities. Multiple conceptual vocabularies of art are coming full circle with the use of new technologies and materials. These artists are employing both traditional and non-traditional techniques, evoking a transformative intervention while providing a gateway for the viewer’s engagement.

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Artists: Left to right Jeff Gibson, Angelo Plessas, Tomory Dodge and Yasmine Chatila

Artist: Shin il Kim

Artist: Jasmine Chatila

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