Rose Butler

Special Operations: deploying arts methods

Surveillance methodologies incorporating processes of observation, technique, imaging and analysis, have extensive material and processual crossovers with the work of artists. This arts research commences at the Houses of Parliament, London, during the passage of the Investigatory Powers Act (2016). This surveillance legislation significantly extended the UK’s digital surveillance capabilities. 

It is followed by an exploration and analysis of archival film, video and photography from hidden cameras at the Stasi Records Agency, that had failed, is sabotaged or misses its subject. Research methods employ props, writing, photography, film, and exhibitions to generate data. Retro spyware is used covertly whilst the Investigatory Powers Bill is debated, to question what might become visible when surveillance techniques are repurposed to look at surveillance. 

Biography

Rose is an artist, researcher and senior lecturer of Fine Art, based in Sheffield, UK. 

She uses adapted technology, software and new media, alongside early cameras and analogue processes to make interactive installations, single and multi-screen videos or large-scale photographs. She works with the material qualities of image-making and plays with the edges, uncertainties and failures of technologies. 

Her work examines borders, definition, resolution, access, and imagery. It crosses paths with the politics of big tech and surveillance and considers hard to access, contested or sensitive spaces and communities. Projects are often socially engaged and result in artworks, exhibitions, artists talks, performances, presentations or publications. 

Rose is particularly interested in collaboration and interdisciplinary working and has presented at many conferences in the UK and abroad foregrounding arts research methods.