Visual proof of my existence

With cameras in every phone and webcams and security cameras all over the world, everything and everybody is constantly being photographed. In 2010 Willem Popelier made a journey through Florida, while keeping his camera at home. He wanted to get as much visual proof as possible of him being there, with the use of cameras that are already there and that are already recording.

Security camera at the pool

To get this visual proof Popelier placed himself in front of cameras at the time a picture was taken: in front of webcams that are connected to the internet; in front of security cameras from gated communities; secretly behind tourists who pose in front of an attraction. Afterwards, he tried to capture the image by making screenshots, asking for prints or asking people if they could mail him the picture which they just made with Popelier sneaky in the background.

In this way Willem Popelier documented a place which is extremely focused on the outside. He collected visual proof of him being there; without a camera in his hand, sometimes even without any camera involved. In a world where everything is recorded, you just don't need your own camera anymore.

Framed inkjet prints, sizes variable, 2010



Exhibition view at Design my Privacy, Z33 Art Centre, 2016 (© Z33)

Exhibition view (detail) at Design my Privacy, Z33 Art Centre, 2016
(© Z33)

Tourist photo at Orlando Airport

Webcam at the library

Tourist photo inside the Harley Davidson store

Photo by an official Disney photographer in the Magic Kingdom

Security camera at the internet room

Photo by an official Disney photographer (holding Tinkerbell)

Webcam at the gym

Security camera at the veranda

Tourist photo in the Magic Kingdom

Webcam at the university

Leonardo Sketch Express

Webcam at the food court

Tourist photo in front of the Lego store

Security camera at the bar

'Space Mountain' action picture at Disney Land

Webcam at Winter Park

Photo by an official Disney photographer in the Magic Kingdom

Skype video connection with home

Tourist photo inside a Disney store

Photo by an official Disney photographer

Security camera at the community room

Tourist photo in front of a Disney store

Webcam at the Student Union

Security camera at the gym

'Disneyfied' chalk portrait at Disney World

Instant photo at Walmart



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