Art has long been a mirror to society’s values and concerns. This lecture delves into how artists have engaged with the concepts of privacy, surveillance, and identity across various mediums and historical periods. From classical art to modern interpretations using new media, we’ll explore how art reflects and critiques the tension between the private and the public. Participants will gain insights into the ways personal space, data collection, and the observer’s gaze have been artistically represented and challenged. Key takeaways:

• Awareness of artistic practices addressing surveillance and privacy.
• Appreciation for the role of art in societal conversations about personal space and identity.
• Inspiration to consider the implications of observation and exposure in both art and daily life.

Learning Objectives

• Trace the evolution of privacy themes in art, from classical representations to contemporary digital media.
• Analyze how artists interpret and critique surveillance, identity, and the observer’s gaze.
• Explore the intersection of personal space, data collection, and artistic expression.
• Encourage critical thinking about the role of art in reflecting and challenging societal norms regarding privacy.

Skills and Outcomes

• Improved understanding of the historical and cultural contexts influencing privacy in art.
• Interpreting artistic responses to surveillance, balance of private vs public through different media.
• Inspiration to create or appreciate art that engages with themes of privacy and personal space.

Target Audience

• People interested in the convergence of art and privacy.
• Privacy advocates and professionals exploring cultural dimensions of surveillance, the notions of public, private, sharing.

Duration

Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, including lecture, discussion, and Q&A.