Hunting Cameras - a multi-part recording project
Remote sensing cameras; digital C41 prints
2016-2017
Remote sensing cameras; digital C41 prints
2016-2017
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“It is perhaps worth stating the obvious: the camera is central to our understanding of photography.” —John Szarkowski, photographer, curator, historian, and critic
Sylvia is embarking in the creation of two new suites of work accomplished through the use of hunting cameras in order to consider how machine vision and remote sensing can become art. In surveillance of the unseeen she acquired a set of professional grade surveillance cameras often used by hunters and forest rangers. Rather than using the cameras to assist in the tracking of game and wildlife, Sylvia’s interest in the cameras concern recording a nearly 180’ degree pan, to present the view of what a forest tree might ‘see’ over a period of time. Two panoramic cameras have been placed on a tree and are set to time-lapse mode. The output from these cameras will offer a glimpse of forest movements from creatures to changing foliage around the sight line of the tree over a 12 month period. Animating the perspective of the tree as a silent observer is a key goal for Sylvia in this project. 
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In What do you See?, Sylvia has started to collaborate with local hunting groups in central and sub-arctic Finland to create an image database of what is captured through the use of their own hunting cameras. By harvesting the image resources of the hunters, Sylvia is creating a mass assemblage of images offering a contemporary portrait of Finland’s wilderness landscapes, whilst illustrating the contrasting values of what we ‘see’ and what we 'know.' She's equally interested in how remote sensing tools and community engagement can create contemporary art.
The artist is grateful for project support from Mustarinda Arts Society & Frontiers in Retreat (EU Arts Funding) 
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The artist would like to extend her thanks to artists (Tiina Hirvonen, Pauliina Leikas, J.K. Donnelly) and hunters (Heimo Mikkola, Markku Mertanen) who assisted her in placing both salt blocks and cameras in and around Hyrynsalmi's forested areas. The salt blocks offer a critical source of minerals for passing wild life.
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Below: Infrared images of bears foraging for their first food after hibernation taken during a snow storm in 'no man's land' between Finland and Russia.
