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Countersurveillance Aesthetic

Resistance Through Wearable Technologies

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Abstract
Countersurveillance designs are a dynamic form of resistance, creatively responding to pervasive surveillance. The imaginary these designs created is a response to the virality of camera footage and a reflection on the current reality of power imbalance. This article explores their evolution from the WikiLeaks Scarf by Metahaven to modern wearables, emphasizing their empowerment, subversion of norms, and political statements. Case studies include Adam Harvey's iconic work and new contemporary brands. These designs challenge norms, and raise awareness about privacy protection, ultimately safeguarding one’s personal identity in the digital age.


Open access | Peer reviewed

Submitted: Sept. 17, 2023 | Accepted: Oct. 30, 2023 | Published Dec. 22, 2023 | Language: en

Keywords Drone • Speculative design • Wearable technologies • Surveillance • Countersurveillance fashion • Countersurveillance Fashion • Design • Speculative Design

Copyright © 2023 Irene Calvi. This is an open-access work distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction is permitted, provided that the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. The license allows for commercial use. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

Permalink http://doi.org/10.30687/978-88-6969-771-5/012


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