Jeff Schmuki

Participatory Landscapes

A revolving ceramic landscape under live CCTV feed. Participatory surveillance changes the role of those monitored from passive to active.  Participatory Landscapes (2016) combines traditional craft techniques with digital processes to create new languages in the ceramic medium. These works feature stylized topographic sculptures that are magnified under live CCTV feed on nearby monitors. When physically pressed upon, these works revolve on round platforms much like the potter’s wheel. Here, new landscapes are formed in transforming the role of the viewer from passive to active, offering opportunities to seek information and communicate on how technology has changed our perceptions and experiences of the environment.  Surveillance in this context forms a new landscape, providing opportunities to take action, seek information and communicate. Here, surveillance is mutual, liberating, and restorative.