Trevor Paglen is an American artist, geographer, and author known for his work that critically examines issues related to surveillance, data collection, and state secrecy. His multidisciplinary practice encompasses photography, sculpture, journalism, and scientific research, often revealing the hidden infrastructures of power and control that shape contemporary life.

Key Aspects of Trevor Paglen’s Work:

1. Surveillance and Secrecy: Paglen’s work frequently investigates the secretive operations of government and military surveillance. He often uses unconventional methods and technologies to uncover and document these hidden activities.
2. Interdisciplinary Approach: Combining his backgrounds in art and geography, Paglen employs a diverse array of techniques and tools, including satellite imagery, data analysis, and long-distance photography, to explore and expose concealed infrastructures.
3. Photography and Visual Art: He is renowned for his large-scale photographs that capture remote and often classified locations, such as military bases, data centers, and undersea cable networks. These images highlight the physical presence of otherwise invisible systems of power.
4. Exploration of Technology: Paglen’s work also delves into the implications of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and machine learning. He examines how these technologies are used for surveillance and control, as well as their broader societal impacts.
5. Political and Ethical Commentary: His projects often serve as a form of political and ethical commentary, challenging viewers to consider the implications of surveillance, privacy, and the balance of power in the digital age.
6. Collaborations and Research: Paglen frequently collaborates with scientists, journalists, and activists to deepen the investigative rigor and impact of his work. His research-based practice blurs the lines between art and activism.

Notable Projects:

• “Limit Telephotography”: A series of photographs taken with powerful telephoto lenses, capturing classified military sites from publicly accessible locations. These images reveal the hidden operations of the military-industrial complex.
• “The Last Pictures”: A project that involved sending a disk containing 100 photographs into orbit aboard a communications satellite, intended to serve as a message to future civilizations. The images reflect on the impact of human activities on Earth.
• “Autonomy Cube”: An art installation that doubles as a functional Wi-Fi hotspot routed through the Tor network, providing anonymous internet access and highlighting issues of privacy and surveillance.
• “From ‘Apple’ to ‘Anomaly’”: A collaboration with AI researcher Kate Crawford, this project explores the biases embedded in machine learning datasets. The work critiques the ways AI systems interpret and classify visual information.
• “Orbital Reflector”: A reflective satellite designed as a temporary public sculpture, launched into orbit to create a visible, non-functional object in the night sky. The project encourages viewers to reflect on the relationship between art, technology, and the cosmos.

Impact and Influence:

Trevor Paglen is a prominent figure in contemporary art, known for his incisive critiques of surveillance and state secrecy. His work challenges audiences to confront the often unseen mechanisms of control that govern modern society. By revealing the physical manifestations of surveillance and data infrastructure, Paglen encourages greater transparency and accountability.

His interdisciplinary approach has had a significant influence on both the art world and broader public discourse. Paglen’s ability to bridge the gap between art, technology, and activism has inspired a new generation of artists and researchers to explore similar themes, using their work to foster a more informed and critical understanding of the power dynamics shaping our world.