Watching You

Sociopolitical commentary series

2021, Covid Lockdown

“Watching You” is a 2021 mixed media series I created in response to the covid-19 lockdown regulations. The new laws of observation and surveillance made me start thinking about the use of CCTV in the UK. As much as the pros out-weigh the cons, it astounded me just how much CCTV there is around the UK - an estimate of roughly 6 million cameras (1 for every 11 people, according to online sources) - and the way in which we cannot escape being watched. The UK is also one of the most watched countries in the world, behind China and the United States.

This series is a commentary on mass surveillance, therefore the immense lack of privacy, freedom and in many regards, autonomy we have in this country. It is something we should all be aware of, for misuse is common and dangerous; fair education on the usage of CCTV should be taught for individual safety, privacy and awareness, as well as the obvious deterrent from committing crimes.