VCU, ME NOT RECOGNIZABLE FOR YOU
Surveillance of public space is omnipresent. Artificial intelligence (AI) systems work with biometric facial recognition and evaluate behavior patterns. These systems do not stop at skin color or gender and therefore create a threat for minorities. Due to optical overlays and strong reflections, the fabric of the jacket creates a camera image that is difficult to process. The identity is preserved as one that cannot be evaluated.
Examples such as the Social Credit System or the persecution of the Uyghurs in China clearly show the consequences of surveillance. VCU („We see you“) puts fashion in a political context and serves as protection but also protest against systematic surveillance.
The jacket consists of three different layers of fabric. The bottom layer is a reflective fabric that makes it difficult to perceive differences in depth and, in direct light, makes the wearer‘s face completely unrecognisable. The other two layers consist of mesh fabric that is laid over each other. Even minimal movements create new patterns and irritations due to the moiré effect. The image processing of the cameras is consequently disturbed.
Model: Nikolai Sarthou and Klea Schlimm
