Vivyan Carr
Supervision, 2026
Live video installation
Supervision is placed in front of a mirror and features a string of dreadlocks suspended above while being circled by security equipment that illuminate and relay visual information of the dreadlocks presented in the central piece. In 1713, Lantern laws were passed in New York City, requiring black people to carry a light source that illuminated their bodies to be seen in the night. An early form of surveillance that allowed those who were not required to abide by this law to observe and identify black people at all times. In this law, the right to question and punish black individuals who did not obey the law in ways was given to those the law was not made for. The surveillance of blackness can be analyzed in earlier and contemporary acts of surveillance, discussed in Simone Browne’s Dark Matters: On the Surveillance of Blackness. Supervision is created off of this research of the surveillance of blackness, placing a piece of the black body to be spotlit and monitored by cameras relaying live feedback.
About:
Vivyan Carr is a 4th year undergraduate receiving a dual degree in New Media and Art history at the University of North Texas. Their previous work has explored various mediums including video, photography, ceramic, mixed-media, animation, and coding. With these mediums, they have created artworks that delve in several inspirations such as nostalgia, immersion, history, and personal experiences. In their career, they have plans to continue exhibiting work, further their research in chosen topics, explore creative ideas, and continue educating themselves in other fields of study.
Instagram: @vivvyau