DROHNE – the automated image

5.September – 5. October 2013

Mois de la photo, Montréal Canada

Drones extend the capabilities of the body in the act of looking. The eye has a fixed position on the human body, has limited vision over long distances and does not work well in reduced lighting conditions. Drones can travel to difficult and remote locations, they can see at all times even in limited light. They can be controlled remotely and be operated from a distance; they can function automatically, have artificial sensing and also convey a sense that they have an intent or agency of their own. Drones are the robots of seeing. Over the last 40 years the camera has taken on some of the same characteristics of the drone even to the extent that the camera now as a life of its own and functions more like a computer. There is no need look through the viewfinder because all the calculations for exposure and focus are automatically completed. You can set the camera to take photographs without the need to be behind the camera. With the motion detectors, remote controls, CCTV, Web cams, Google Street View and the development of robotics the camera can function without human involvement.
Curator Paul Wombell

Artists
Elina Brotherus
Michel Campeau
Raphaël Dallaporta
Max Dean
Véronique Ducharme
Pascal Dufaux
ExpVisLab
Mona Hatoum
Craig Kalpakjian
Suzy Lake
Trevor Paglen
Barbara Probst
Jon Rafman
David K. Ross
Thomas Ruff
Tomoko Sawada
Kevin Schmidt
Cheryl Sourkes
Jules Spinatsch
Jana Sterbak
Penelope Umbrico
WassinkLundgren
Michael Wesely
Mishka Henner + Special project
Donovan Wylie + Special project