The creation of a fictional organization known as the Society for Self Surveillance from March 25th through 29th, will question whether pervasive surveillance in New York is a true threat to liberty, or an over-extended farce. Organized by Bay Area based artist Doug Garth Williams, the organization seeks to pose the questions, “Are surveillance cameras the chilling Orwellian eyes of authority or are they modern day gargoyles designed to invoke the idea of security without really providing it? Is it a little bit of both?”

The project will create posters, advertisements, a promotional video, and occupy the storefront with custom signage. Acting as the public face of the organization, Williams will deliver in-character weekday public lectures on how to keep oneself under constant surveillance in order to increase public safety.

About Doug Garth Williams: Doug holds an M.F.A. from Mills College, a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College, and a certified world record for the longest nipple hair from the Guinness Book of World Records. Over the last year he has received a Franklin Furnace Fund Award, a Murphy and Cadogan Fellowship, the Herringer Family Award for Excellence in Art, won two jury prizes at festivals, and had 13 different works shown in more than a dozen exhibitions and screenings in galleries, museums, and festivals around the world.

About Franklin Furnace Fund: Every year, Franklin Furnace awards grants to local, national, and international contemporary artists selected by a rotating panel of artists.

This performance/variable media art work was made possible, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Major support of the Franklin Furnace Fund was provided in 2010-11 by the Lambent Foundation Fund of Tides Foundation. This exhibit is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

artist website: www.dougisfamous.com