Trevor Paglen

b. 1974 • American

Biography

Trevor Paglen, born in 1974, is an American artist, geographer, and author known for his exploration of mass surveillance and data collection. His work often intersects art and technology, examining the unseen infrastructures that underpin modern society. Paglen's innovative approach has earned him significant recognition, including the prestigious Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize in 2016 and a MacArthur Fellowship in 2017. Paglen's projects often delve into the hidden operations of government and corporate entities, using photography, sculpture, and other media to reveal the invisible forces at play in contemporary life. Notable works include the 'Autonomy Cube', a collaboration with Jacob Appelbaum, which integrates Tor network relays into art installations, and the 'Orbital Reflector', a satellite launched into space as a reflective sculpture. His work is collected for its critical engagement with themes of surveillance and privacy, offering a thought-provoking commentary on the digital age. Paglen's contributions to both art and critical discourse make him a significant figure in contemporary art, challenging viewers to reconsider the boundaries between public and private, visible and invisible.

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Trevor Paglen

b. 1974 • American

Biography

Trevor Paglen, born in 1974, is an American artist, geographer, and author known for his exploration of mass surveillance and data collection. His work often intersects art and technology, examining the unseen infrastructures that underpin modern society. Paglen's innovative approach has earned him significant recognition, including the prestigious Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize in 2016 and a MacArthur Fellowship in 2017. Paglen's projects often delve into the hidden operations of government and corporate entities, using photography, sculpture, and other media to reveal the invisible forces at play in contemporary life. Notable works include the 'Autonomy Cube', a collaboration with Jacob Appelbaum, which integrates Tor network relays into art installations, and the 'Orbital Reflector', a satellite launched into space as a reflective sculpture. His work is collected for its critical engagement with themes of surveillance and privacy, offering a thought-provoking commentary on the digital age. Paglen's contributions to both art and critical discourse make him a significant figure in contemporary art, challenging viewers to reconsider the boundaries between public and private, visible and invisible.

Track Trevor Paglen

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Professional documentation gives you clarity, portability, and confidence in your collection.

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ArtCollection.io on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices