by Jan Maher, 2025
The work is inspired by a sentence in the series: „Owls are not what they seem“. The recurring symbolism of the owls is never really explained, which leaves it up to interpretation of the viewer. This work adopts the theory that owls serve as the watchful eyes of supernatural entities which play a central role in the series. The owls become a means of surveillance, watching every little detail of the storyline. Their presence may be shown directly on screen or presented by a subtle sound in the background. Whatever it is, they are always present. This work uses this interpretation and transforms its meaning into the contemporary world.
The project collects a database of footage from hundreds of unsecured Wi-Fi cameras around the world (which are accessed through a website scanner, that can detect any improperly secured Wi-Fi camera and display its live-feed on the internet freely and legally). As a result, these cameras become, unbeknownst to their owners, a tool for anonymous observers to monitor everything happening in their daily life. In this instance, these cameras, which are meant to keep us safe, are turned against us and become somewhat similar to the owls Twin Peaks.
The final video is composed of approximately 100 different scenes ranging from surreal depictions and public places to forests and even private homes. Each scene is selected to evoke a sense of a place where at the right moment, something significant to the story might happen.
>Exhibited at:
>Entreé Gallery, 2025 – The Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art in Plzeň, Czech Republic
>Blatenský fotofestival 2025 – Blatná city museum, Czech Republic
>Information:
>Video installation – 22:33min
– 4:3 – 1920x1440px
>Technique – screenrecording
>Semestral work – Summer semester 2025
– 1.BcA