Observed: Hypervisibility and Reclamation

Mar 22 - Apr 26, 2024

Curator Talk & Opening Reception, Cantor Fitzgerald Gallery

Friday, March 22, 4:30-7pm

Roundtable Discussion, VCAM Screening Room

Wednesday, April 17, 4:30-6pm

What does it mean to be seen? To be watched? Are there consequences for collapsing the two? Observed: Hypervisibility and Reclamation explores the contradictions we face when surveillance is conflated with safety; when law enforcement agencies, governments, businesses, and institutions leverage digital and biometric technologies to track us, as well as our resistance and community responses. Using examples from Detroit, we dive deeper into the web of privatized surveillance and militarized security forces who use biometric technologies proven to cause harm, in particular the disenfranchisement of people of color. We also recognize Detroit as a birthplace of many revolutionary movements by shining a light on resistance organizing and community responses that ensure collective and communal safety. This exhibition features the work of Tawana Petty, Halima Afi Cassells, Kate Levy, Shanna Merola, en sawyer and poets from around the world; artists whose work addresses these topics through spoken word, collage, projection, installation, and design.

Observed: Hypervisibility and Reclamation is organized in conjunction with the Hurford Center's 2023-24 Faculty Seminar, “Technology & Justice: Mediating Communities," led by Sorelle Friedler and Laura McGrane. Observed: Hypervisibility and Reclamation is made possible with support from The John B. Hurford ’60 Center for the Arts and Humanities and is co-funded by the Haverford College Initiative for Ethical Engagement and Leadership (IEEL)