• Essay question

How does mass surveillance and the ‘big brother theory’ cause a common paranoia and feeling of insecurity within the general public?

• Opening quote

”The notion that “Big Brother Is Watching” has been around for decades, it is an often-used catchphrase to describe surveillance or privacy infringements. The evolution of the Internet, cellular networks and the growth of high speed connections worldwide has allowed an endless supply of devices to connect to this global network and produce an infinite supply of very specific, personal data.” Robert McMahon – Quoted from ‘surveillance and privacy in the digital age: a primer for public relations’ Page 1

• Introduction (250-500 words): What is your area study? Which artists will you be analysing and why? How will you be responding to their work and essay question?

For this ‘political landscape’ project I am focusing on the theme of surveillance, and how surveillance actually effects the general public, in both positive or negative ways. Particularly how mass surveillance and the ‘big brother theory’ causes a common paranoia and feeling of insecurity within the general public, and how the awareness of this can cause an impact on the public’s trust of authority.  I am looking at how Thomas Ruff and Trevor Paglen explore this theme within their photography.

• Pg 1 (500 words): Historical/ theoretical context within art, photography and visual culture relevant to your area of study. Make links to art movements/ isms and some of the methods employed by critics and historian. Link to powerpoints about isms andmovements M:\Departments\Photography\Students\Resources\Personal Study

 

• Pg 2 (500 words): Analyse first artist/photographer in relation to your essay question. Present and evaluate your own images and responses.

Photographer 1 – Thomas Ruff

• Pg 3 (500 words): Analyse second artist/photographer in relation to your essay question. Present and evaluate your own images and responses.

Phtographer 2 – Trevor Paglen

http://opentranscripts.org/transcript/invisible-images-of-surveillance/

• Conclusion (250-500 words): Draw parallels, explore differences/ similarities between artists/photographers and that of your own work that you have produced

 

• Bibliography: List all relevant sources used