Surveillance
Surveillance featured voyeuristic photography of suburban Marrickville at night displayed under cut and coloured acrylic, alongside sculpture, and paintings. This kaleidoscope of colour invites reflection on how light bridges public/private spaces and the nature of surveillance.
“I began work on this project during the long, dark lockdown of 2021. The inequity across the city was stark, and I reflected deeply on the privilege of working at home and being able to isolate. When I walked at night, my attention was captured by the way light radiated from windows and doors. It was as though light created a portal for me to create an imagined connection to the lives within. As work has continued in the studio, the connections have expanded – I’ve been thinking about surveillance more broadly. How are we watched? Who watches?” said Watters.
22 June - 2 July 2023, Scratch Art Space, Marrickville.
Surveillance installation view, Scratch Art Space, Marrickville. Credit: Shelley Watters
Marrickville court (fluoro yellow), 2023, giclee print on Ilford cotton rag, acrylic. 32.3 x 44.7, black frame. Surveillance edition.
Wardell (blue), 2023, giclee print on Ilford cotton rag, acrylic. 32.3 x 44.7, black frame. Surveillance edition.
Anderton (purple), 2023, giclee print on Ilford cotton rag, acrylic. 32.3 x 44.7, black frame. Surveillance edition.
Residents only (fluoro orange), 2023, giclee print on Ilford cotton rag, acrylic. 32.3 x 44.7, black frame. Surveillance edition.
The bike (fluoro pink), 2023, giclee print on Ilford cotton rag, acrylic. 32.3 x 44.7, black frame. Surveillance edition.
© Shelley Watters 2023
I acknowledge the Gadigal and Wangal people of the Eora nation, traditional custodians of Bulanaming (Marrickville) the land on which I live and create and the Yuggera and Turrbal people of Meanjin (Brisbane), under whose stars I was born. I show my deep respect to First Nations Elders past, present and future, acknowledging with deep respect their knowledge and continuing connection to Country. Sovereignty was never ceded. Always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.