Grace Reyer

Describe this work and write an analysis of it. How does this work make you consider issues of privacy?

As you approach the Henry art gallery, you notice what looks like a window at first, but actually appears to be large video feed. Given that this is a creative (and college) environment, you tend not to question too heavily the presence of odd things. However, after further explanation from our guide, the what is called Sanctum exhibit gathers information about you, so to speak, if you stand in front long enough. The whole group now eagerly and some anxiously wait to try it.  The "window" records absolutely all the time. It records at night and on holidays and when no one is walking by to test it's omniscience. It apparently determines certain context clues from the individual or group standing in front of it and then queues some actual Facebook feed that would be theoretically relevant to the viewer. For instance, in my group, we were all in the 18-25 age bracket with backpacks. Some of us dress or modify our bodies more adventurously. Band t shirts and body piercings were prevalent. The Facebook feed revealed to us dealt with school matters, losing necessary items, and hanging out with friends. Although not too insightful, it was still a little unnerving that this even exists at all. However, on that same note, Facebook does the exact same thing. On the side panel after a few uses, advertisements already become custom tailored to your interests based on small factors such as gender, relationship status, and age. It is scary to consider this reality, not at the terror of being sold another disposable, useless product, but at the thought that other entities could be using similar technology. If we allow ourselves to accept or apathetically watch while these practices run rampant, I have no doubt we will find ourselves in a society utterly deprived of privacy, an intrinsic right.