Esther Hovers

False Positives examines how surveillance systems investigate our behaviour.

Intelligent surveillance systems involve cameras capable of detecting signs in body language and movements that could indicate criminal intention. These actions within the public space are known as ‘anomalies’. Through these anomalies the algorithms are built, and cameras are able to detect deviant behaviour. ‘False Positives’ examines how surveillance systems investigate our behaviour and raises the issue of the acceptability of this classification and the protection of our privacy in public spaces.

Esther Hovers relies on eight different anomalies for her research, as were reported by the intelligent surveillance experts with whom she collaborated. The project comprises photographs and model drawings to analyse different environments in and around the Brussels business district.

In her artistic practice, Esther Hovers investigates how power, politics and systems of control exert their influence through urban planning and the use of public space. She was trained as a photographer but creates installations in which photographs, drawings, text and film play an equal part. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Washington Post, M - Le Magazine du Monde, and Wired.