sterling crispin, data-masks
an interesting installation that represents data and surveillance within modern culture. using a mirror, representing facial recognition and detection algorithms, paired with genetic algorithms
“data-masks are face masks which were created by reverse engineering facial recognition and detection algorithms. these algorithms were used to guide an evolving system toward the production of human-like faces. these evolved faces were then 3D printed as masks, shadows of human beings as seen by the minds-eye of the machine-organism. this exposes the way the machine, and the surveillance state, view human identity and this makes aspects of these invisible power structures visible”
“data-masks are animistic deities brought out of the algorithmic-spirit-world of the machine and into our material world, ready to tell us their secrets, or warn us of what's to come”
“theoretically, I am concerned with the aggressive overdevelopment of surveillance technology and how this is changing human identity and how humanity interacts with technology. by technology I mean individual instances of technological devices and networked systems like cameras and software, but also what I identify as the 'technological other', a global living super-organism of all machines and software. this work is an act of political protest by means of bringing transparency to the surveillance and biometric techniques used today. these Data-masks give form to an otherwise invisible network of control and identification systems and make their effect on our identities tangible and visible... data-masks are intended for use in acts of protest, poetry, civil disobedience, and shamanistic ritual”
this installation is inspiring to see how data and surveillance can be converted into an installation that isn’t a straight-forward representation of this mass surveillant reality. i love how the concept is at first unclear and holds a more abstract way of approaching the topic, whilst forming a stand against the surveillance itself. this takes the approach of the revolt, meaning the individual is protected by this creation. an interesting outtake. the idea of using a mirror so the individual can interact with the installation is inspiring, it integrates the viewer