Video, Photography Series
2019
I attempted to investigate the culture of surveillance that has arisen in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Utilizing a computer screen to monitor and capture the countless urban cameras located in the city of İstanbul, I documented the watchful presence of the limited number of people out and about during the lockdown. By capturing these images, I tried to highlight the impact that a heightened sense of security has had on public spaces and individual behavior.
The project is also examining the implications of this shift in public safety, as the same cameras that are meant to protect us can also be used to monitor us. I considered how this new surveillance culture has changed our relationship with the city and our experiences within it. By monitoring the urban camera views, I was able to capture the tension between freedom and control, and to explore the implications of surveillance on our daily lives.
