Down the Barrel
(of a Lens)

What does it mean to be seen and documented in public space without your consent? I explore this all-too-relevant concern with Down the Barrel (of a Lens), a large-scale video installation of charged imagery culled from the NYPD’s declassified surveillance film collections from 1960 to 1980. Each scene captures the moment when civilian targets realize they are being taped by a 16mm police camera and choose to stare back at their watcher. Down the Barrel (of a Lens) is an empowering and chilling collection of historical portraiture that poses questions about policing, acceptable intrusion, personal privacy, and quiet protest. Created as a Public Artist in Residence with NYC’s Department of Records, Down the Barrel debuted at Brooklyn Army Terminal and will be exhibited at Lincoln Center from Sept 29-Oct 3.