I (heart) Data Mining
2012 - Sculpture (Sculpture)
Amy Balkin
Data mining is a computer software process that can involve the neutral or benign analyzing of internet data for patterns, however, it can also imply the more sinister activities of surveillance or subject-based information gathering. Amy Balkin’s neon sculpture I (heart) Data Mining , takes on this issue by revealing the acronyms or abbreviations of both technology companies and government bodies that have either profited from data mining, or have used it to political ends. The culprits include Facebook, Investigative Data Warehouse, Apple Computer, The Department of Homeland Security, Narus, Target, and Twitter. As the colorful neon text directs us to these organizations, a second layer of neon text reading ‘I (heart) Data Mining’ flickers on and off. Despite the existence of various landmark cases — from the dozens of civil lawsuits against the telecommunications giant AT&T for providing the NSA (National Security Agency’s) with its customers’ phone and Internet communications for data-mining, to the targeting and tracking of individuals for commercial or political purposes — most internet users have little knowledge of these programs that capture and process the information traveling through computer networks. Balkin’s piece reflects on the sensitive and complex nature of privacy and surveillance and the ethical binds that corporations and government bodies constantly face in a digital era.
Based in San Francisco, Amy Balkin’s various long-term projects respond to society’s relationship to the land, the atmosphere, the ocean and other natural resources, and how these resources have been used and valued. Often explicitly critical of the economic and political forces that frame these resources, she thinks beyond borders and nation-states to ask global questions about their allocation and ownership. Several of her projects engage with or document individuals and communities that fight for social and environmental justice. Whether through creating a public archive of objects from places that will disappear from global warming; offering an environmental justice audio tour set up near a highway; or creating a “clean air park” with emission credits the artist purchases; the thread that runs throughout is a questioning of who is entitled to nominate and enforce protections around land and the people who will benefit from it.
Colors:
Related works sharing similar palette
© » KADIST
Lutz Bacher
2016Sweet Jesus is a sound installation by Lutz Bacher that consists of a found recording of James Earl Jones’ iconic voice reciting biblical genealogy from Matthew, Book 1...
© » FAD MAGAZINE
Tate Modern announce new partnership with Asymmetry Art Foundation - FAD Magazine Skip to content By Mark Westall • 1 February 2024 Share — Tate Modern © Tate Photography Tate Modern has announced today a new partnership with Asymmetry Art Foundation enabling Alvin Li to be appointed to the role of Curator, International Art and Hera Chan to be appointed Adjunct Curator, Asia-Pacific ...
© » ARTS EQUATOR
International Women's Day: Inspiring Women | ArtsEquator Thinking and Talking about Arts and Culture in Southeast Asia Articles March 6, 2020 By ArtsEquator For International Women’s Day, ArtsEquator asked 11 women arts leaders in SEA to tell us about a woman who has inspired, supported or mentored them on their arts journey...
© » KADIST
Jonas Staal
2008Jonas Staal’s installation is based on the thesis written by Fleur Agema and titled “Closed Architecture”...
© » ARTS EQUATOR
Meeting Point 2021: The cultural worker in a time of social change | ArtsEquator Thinking and Talking about Arts and Culture in Southeast Asia Articles Mekong Cultural Hub June 7, 2021 By Wennie Yang (2,000 words, 8-minute read) Laptop fully charged, professional Zoom background selected – Meeting Point 2021 organised by Mekong Cultural Hub and its partners took place virtually between 20 to 22 May 2021...
© » KADIST
Jonas Van and Juno B
2021Jonas Van and Juno B’s video work Kebranto is anchored by the figure of Boitatá, a snake that is part of the imaginary Guaraní communities that live between the current nation-states of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay...
© » GALERIE MAGAZINE
From New York to Los Angeles, 8 Must-See Solo Gallery Shows in December - Galerie Subscribe Art + Culture Interiors Style + Design Emerging Artists Discoveries Artist Guide More Creative Minds Life Imitates Art Real estate Events Video Galerie House of Art and Design Subscribe About Press Advertising Contact Us Follow Galerie Sign up to receive our newsletter Subscribe Installation view of "Arghavan Khosravi: True to Self" at Rachel Uffner Gallery...
