SJMA
DOCENT
COUNCIL
Covert Operations: Investigating the Known Unknowns
June 30, 2015
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January 10, 2016
Covert Operations: Investigating the Known Unknowns is the first major survey of a generation of artists working in the violent and uncertain decade following the 9/11 terrorist attacks to collect and reveal previously unreported information. This group of international artists includes Ahmed Basiony, Thomas Demand, Hasan Elahi, Harun Farocki, Jenny Holzer, Trevor Paglen and Taryn Simon. They use legal procedures as well as traditional research methods and resources such as the Freedom of Information Act, government archives, field research and insider connections, to create sophisticated artworks that push beyond conventional thinking. The thirty-seven artworks included in Covert Operations employ the tools of democracy to bear witness to attacks on liberty and to embrace democratic ideals, open government and civil rights.
The exhibition title is a direct reference to Donald Rumsfeld’s eerie insight into our post 9/11 landscape. In 2002 he commented to the press corps: “[T]here are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns—the ones we don’t know we don’t know.” His assertion, although obfuscatory, is both logical and rhetorically accurate. Covert Operations presents works that directly address citizens’ constitutional rights and the vast expansion of federal power. Many of the artists examine the complicity of both governmental and individual actors in human rights violations. Others pry into the hidden institutional structures and economy of the United States intelligence community. Other subjects include Black Sites, the geographic sites of clandestine governmental operations. Still other artists testify to personal discrimination in the name of national security. A visual art exhibition is a potent vehicle for shedding light on the complicated relationship between freedom and security, individuals and the state, fundamental extremism and democracy. As former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis observed, “Sunshine is said to be the best of disinfectants.”
The exhibition’s rich conceptual themes include secrecy and disclosure, violence, power, subterfuge, surveillance, territory, geography and the visible versus the hidden. Subjects range from classified military sites and reconnaissance satellites to border and immigration surveillance, terrorist profiling to narcotics and human trafficking, illegal extradition flights to nuclear weapons.
Covert Operations will include works by thirteen multidisciplinary visual artists and collaboratives: Ahmed Basiony (Egypt), Thomas Demand (Germany), Electronic Disturbance Theater 2.0 (United States), Hasan Elahi (Bangladesh/United States), Harun Farocki (Germany [German-annexed Czechoslovakia]), David Gurman (United States), Jenny Holzer (United States), Trevor Paglen (United States), Jenny Perlin (United States), Anne-Marie Schleiner and Luis Hernandez Galvan (United States; Mexico), Taryn Simon (United States), David Taylor (United States) and Kerry Tribe (United States).
Organized by the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
This exhibition is made possible by an Emily Hall Tremaine Exhibition Award. The Exhibition Award program was founded in 1998 to honor Emily Hall Tremaine. It rewards innovation and experimentation among curators by supporting thematic exhibitions that challenge audiences and expand the boundaries of contemporary art.
Additional support for the exhibition catalogue provided by Walter and Karla Goldschmidt Foundation.
Talking Points and More Info
Response for visitors who express concerns with content:
* This exhibition presents the work of artists who are concerned, from the perspective of ordinary American citizens, about issues of privacy and surveillance in our post 9/11 world.
* They look closely at measures undertaken in the name of national security. Many of these artists investigate covert practices and research previously unreported or partially reported information. They use traditional, legal research methods in a manner similar to academics or journalists. Their tools and sources include: the Freedom of Information Act, government archives, field research, and insider connections.
* SJMA is a modern and contemporary art museum. SJMA’s mission is to feature the art of our times and to promote dialog. Many contemporary artists tackle timely topics and societal concerns. Although some of those issues may be difficult and can be uncomfortable for some viewers, we exhibit these artworks because our role is to be a catalyst for important civic conversation within our community.
* This exhibition is one of a number of museum exhibitions over the last decade that deal with the historically important moment of September 11, 2001 and the aftermath of the terrorist attacks—still a painful moment in our national history. Such exhibitions are part of the larger cultural process of historicizing what happened 13 years ago and of understanding how it has and continues to affect us all.
* We recognize the diversity of viewpoints on these subjects. The Museum does not endorse any particular political or religious viewpoint, but offers a platform for open and independent discussions.
* SJMA has planned a number of public programs and invited a diverse group of people to present different perspectives on the issues of privacy, freedom, secrecy, and security. Speakers include journalists, civil liberties experts, business people, artists, historians, and representatives from the law enforcement field. A calendar of programs is available in our newsletter and on our website.
* We hope this exhibition encourages dialogue about these important subjects.
Covert Operations FAQs
THREE MOST BASIC POINTS
1. The Exhibition Addresses topics related to democracy and the U.S. national security post 9/11
2. The artists investigate and research to find demonstrable evidence, similar to journalists. Their tools and sources include: the freedom of Information act, government archives, field research and insider connections.
3. Artworks examine subjects including: surveillance, terrorist profiling, narcotic trafficking, ghost detainees, nuclear weapons, drone strikes and the U.S. / Mexico border.
When does the show close? January 10, 2016
How many art works are on display? 33 artworks, There are photographs,paiontings, video games, and a 16mm film.
How many artists are in the exhibition? 12 total artists and ione artist collaborative (made up of 5 artists) are included in the exhibition 13 artists are listed in the catalogue because Jenny Perlin was featured in the Prologue leading up to the opening of the exhibition.
How long will it take to see the exhibition? Three galleries are devoted to the exhibition. As always, it depends on how long a visitor wants to stay. Note that the video run times are on the label for the artwork. There are many things to read, both in the artworks and on the labels.
Docent Conversations
Share Your Thoughts and Information
Did you learn something interesting about the exhibition while doing research, talking with a visitor or museum staff, attending an artist talk? This area is a place for docents to have an ongoing conversation about an exhibition, artists, and artworks. The more we share the more we learn.