Surveillance

Definition

Surveillance refers to the monitoring and observation of individuals, groups, or environments, often using technology to collect data and information. In the context of telematic and networked performances, surveillance can create a complex interplay between performer and audience, as well as raise questions about privacy, agency, and control. The ways in which surveillance manifests in performance can impact how art is experienced and understood, revealing the implications of being watched or monitored in real-time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Surveillance can be both physical and digital, encompassing methods like cameras, drones, and online tracking.
2. In performance art, the presence of surveillance can alter the dynamics between the performer and audience, influencing how each interacts with the other.
3. Artists often use themes of surveillance to critique societal norms around privacy, control, and power dynamics.
4. Telematic performances can heighten the experience of surveillance by allowing audiences from different locations to engage with the performance simultaneously.
5. The concept of surveillance in art raises ethical considerations about consent and the impact of being observed on individual expression.

Review Questions

• How does surveillance influence the relationship between performer and audience in networked performances?
  • Surveillance influences the performer-audience relationship by creating a dynamic where both parties are aware of being observed. This awareness can lead to altered behaviors; performers may modify their actions knowing they are under scrutiny, while audiences may feel a sense of power or vulnerability depending on their role. The incorporation of technology further enhances this interaction, making real-time observation a key element that shapes the overall experience of the performance.
• Discuss the ethical implications of using surveillance in telematic performances and how it affects audience perception.
  • The ethical implications of using surveillance in telematic performances revolve around issues of consent, privacy, and representation. Audiences may be uncomfortable with being monitored or recorded without their knowledge, which can influence their perception of the performance. Artists must navigate these concerns carefully to create an environment that respects individual agency while still exploring the themes of observation and control inherent in their work.
• Evaluate how artists leverage surveillance techniques to challenge societal norms regarding privacy and power in their work.
  • Artists leverage surveillance techniques to challenge societal norms by highlighting the often-invisible systems of observation that govern modern life. By incorporating elements of surveillance into their performances, they force audiences to confront their own roles as observers or participants in a monitored society. This critical examination encourages viewers to reflect on issues such as autonomy, control, and the implications of living under constant observation, thereby fostering a deeper conversation about privacy in contemporary culture.

Related terms

Panopticism: A social theory derived from Jeremy Bentham's Panopticon design, which suggests that constant surveillance can influence behavior and self-regulation among individuals.

Data Collection: The systematic gathering of information, often used in surveillance practices to analyze behaviors and trends within a monitored environment.

Live Streaming: The continuous transmission of audio or video files over the internet, which can be utilized in performances to engage audiences while simultaneously subjecting performers to real-time observation.