The London Eyes - an alternative audio tour of central London
02 Jun 2011
The London Eyes: an alternative audio tour of central London, through the eyes of artists and CCTV operators
Wednesday 8th June sees the launch of the first ever stand alone student art project, made specifically for the EDF Energy London Eye. The project creators, Jennifer Maksymetz and Henry Procter, have created a site-specific art project in the form of an alternative audio guide which lasts for the duration of one rotation. Both are students on the MA Art and Politics programme at Goldsmiths, University of London. The London Eyes will be FREE to all, asking visitors to look and listen to the myriad ways of observing and surveying London.
The London Eyes juxtaposes observation and surveillance in the city of London. Selected artists’ impressions of the city are paired with insights from the world of CCTV operators. The aim is to inspire discussion around the topic of observation and surveillance in a non-biased way.
The project could not have been made without the help of eight London-based artists and Professor Gavin Smith from the University of Sydney. The artists and Professor Smith responded to a call-out on the theme of observation and surveillance in London. The artists supplied poetry, streams of consciousness, memories and spoken word. Professor Smith helped the project creators access the secret world of the CCTV operator.
The CCTV operators’ quotations in the audio guide are taken from Professor Smith’s essay “Behind the Screens: Examining Constructions of Deviance and Informal Practices among CCTV Control Room Operators in the UK”. Once more the majority of these quotations have been situated in the direct landscape surrounding the EDF Energy London Eye.
The audio content is based on pure creativity and theory, fused together to make an immersive soundscape. As the most iconic observation point in London, the EDF Energy London Eye was the perfect place to use as a focus point.
Henry Procter, one of the creators says of the project: “London is one of the most culturally rich and dynamic cities in the world, so it makes sense that the London artist might be a good tour-guide! There are however also creative responses to be found when listening to the CCTV operator. Overall the London Eyes as a project addresses a topical subject, emphasizing those behind and in-front of the camera.’
Leah Larkin, EDF Energy London Eye Press Officer comments: “It’s been really interesting being involved in this project. Everyone who visits the London Eye has a completely different appreciation of the views of the city and analysing them from an artistic perspective can add another exciting element to the London Eye experience.”
The London Eyes will be available for FREE download from 8th June at www.thelondoneyes.com.