Evidence Locker

For the Liverpool Art Biennal, American Jill Magid worked with the operators of the city's CCTV surveillance cameras to teach them the techniques of professional filmmakers.

During one month, Magid wore a red trench coat and boots, ensuring she could be easily spotted throughout the city. She called the police on duty with details of where she was and asked them to film her in particular poses and even guide her through the city with her eyes closed - all using the public surveilance cameras.

All around Magid, the most innocent passers-by were transformed by the camera's behaviour into potential bag-snatchers, rapists and serial killers.

The final work was made of two installations. Evidence Locker at Tate evokes the space of the CCTV monitoring station, with a soundtrack of the police log being read aloud, and CCTV footage featuring the artist. Evidence Locker at FACT reveals her evolving relationship with the CCTV staff through a daily diary and video projections.

Till November 28th at the FACT gallery in Liverpool.

Via Neural.