Not a Model for Big Brother's Spy Cycle

Theatrical techniques are commonly employed to create fear and apprehension. Blatant fakes can become symbols of this constructed fear as in the work of the artist Dieter Froese with his Not a Model for Big Brother’s Spy Cycle of 1982/3. Froese mixes live footage and pre-recordings to create installation spaces which pray on their viewers’ increasing sense of panic through confusing reality and pre-recorded image of that supposed reality. His works make their audience ask questions. What is being recorded? Why do I feel physically and mentally intruded upon? Where are the boundaries between security and control? Not a Model for Big Brother’s Spy Cycle is an ingenious mixture of contrasting and contradictory elements that make up an overall unifying experience. Cardboard and mesh cameras represent the tools of public intimidation, however perhaps, more intimidating still, is the realisation that while you have been distracted being hit over the head by these big, brash statements you missed the real threat of the live camera behind you. Cardboard camera acts both as symbol and decoy.