PHOTOFILE | PORTFOLIO
PAULA GORTÁZAR
FOLLOWERS
Featured by Ana Catarina Pinho
During the Communist regime in Czechoslovakia from 1948 to 1989, the secret police engaged in extensive surveillance of citizens, capturing everyday moments and interactions that could potentially be construed as evidence of anti-revolutionary activities. These meticulously documented photographs, accompanied by detailed captions specifying the location, date, time of day, and individuals involved, served as part of their surveillance efforts.
In her work "Followers", Paula Gortázar juxtaposes reproductions from the Czechoslovakian secret police archive with photographs taken by the artist in the streets of Prague. Using a 35mm camera, she constructs a fictional archive comprising both archival and recent images, aiming to illuminate new forms of online surveillance and the widespread acceptance of such practices among social media users.
Paula Gortázar, a researcher and visual artist specialising in photography, explores the evolving landscape of AI systems and extended reality technologies. Her research delves into how these advancements are reshaping the creation and use of photographic images within virtual environments. With her work featured in numerous academic journals and presented at international conferences worldwide, Paula's artistic endeavours have also garnered attention through wide-ranging exhibitions and publications across various global platforms. Holding a PhD in Photography from the University of Westminster, Paula also contributes as an independent writer for Source Photographic Review and C4 Journal. Currently, she serves as the Course Leader for the MA Expanded Photography and BA Photography programs at the University of Westminster.
© Paula Gortázar, Followers. All pictures courtesy of the artist.