Observer, Observed

Sculptor Julia Phillips creates work that examines relationships between individuals and the public, between people and institutions. Her participatory public artwork Observer, Observed invites you to think about public surveillance and what it really means to “look”. 

A set of custom-made bronze binoculars are mounted in Darling Harbour, like a typical tourist viewpoint. Anyone can step up to the binoculars and spy on their surroundings but be warned – a camera inside the binoculars will be broadcasting live video of your peeping eyes to an adjacent screen. 

Drawing parallels to ubiquitous surveillance (the cameras are always watching) and “lurking” on social media, Phillips proposes an ethics of two-way observation and questions the politics of public spectatorship. 

Observer, Observed comes to Sydney in its international debut after its year-long presence created for the New York City High Line.