Hyper-surveillance is the norm in our hyper-connected world. In dystopian times, our identities are reduced to a barcode. Speech is restricted and social media is used to monitor every move. This vicious circle is impossible to escape, as we must accept these practices to be able to function in our society. As surveillance culture continues to tighten its grip on society, it’s important to visualize the future and take action.
Varun Gupta, an artist, has created a series called ‘CCTV Ngar’. It is a fictional city where CCTV cameras are watching your every move, your every word and your every thought. The visuals are dominated by an overwhelming number of cameras, which is portrayed through symbolism. This dystopian world highlights the diminishing value of privacy in a society that continues to violate individual rights and freedoms. This dystopian reality shows how residents are denied the right to privacy. A life where people are constantly watched by a regime that is authoritarian.
“CCTV Nagar” is a reminder of the devastating consequences of giving up our rights in exchange for security. Imagine a future where total control of public and private lives is a reality. The founder and creative director of a boutique future forward content production company ‘We Create Films’, Varun is a self-taught filmmaker with a background in animation. The young storyteller uses AI tools to highlight issues with his artistic vision. The narrative is often dominated by futuristic concepts and a fantastical cinematic world.
Here you can see their work.