If an art student with a camera is cause enough to be reported to the FBI, what’s next? Wanted (2002) is a photo illustration that mocks the harmless nature of my “crime” by taking it to its logical extreme. An FBI wanted poster.
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Related Projects:
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On October 4th, 2001, I was reported to the FBI as a Middle-Eastern man taking pictures of bridges in Albany, New York. Suspect (2002) juxtaposes the source footage I was shooting when reported, framed by FBI warnings and a pseudo-official “FBI TV” logo, with legislation that describes this type of footage as illegal to possess or distribute. |
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0v3r104d (2002) reconstructs the saturation of red, white and blue in the cultural and media landscape of the US after September 11, 2001. The buzzy, machine-like barrage of sound and strobe light style makes the flag appear as a flickering neon advertisement nearing burnout. As the image undergoes generation loss, the original soon becomes unrecognizable. |
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Immediatedly following September 11, 2001, U.S. flags branded the landscape. For some, it was a symbol of solidarity, but for others, it was an obligation. National Anthem (2001) is an attempt to survey the plethora of flags, comment on its use and reveal a deeper social pain. |
4 replies on “Wanted”
[…] The beard was a product of below-freezing temperatures in upstate New York. Actually, these are some of the only photos I have when I looked like this – which was how I looked when I was reported to the FBI for being “Middle Eastern.” […]
That’s great! My Dad was in Moscow back in the early 70s.. shot some pictures of bridges.. had to do if from the hip… I’m sure you can get an FBI file by making images like this… I alway think back to the line in Men in Black.. “No Ma’am, We at the FBI don’t have a sense of humor that we’re aware of.”
[…] (Attn. Homeland Security: In photography, “shooting” is a term we use for “photographing” someone. You know, as in “photo shoot.” So no need to worry. And by “worry”, I mean wiretap, surveil, or put me on a list. I’m not a terrorist.) […]
Wooooow You really went through all that crap ?? dude that really really sucks donkey balls , I do get harassed all the time so I know where you coming from