Who’s the Thief in Deana Lawson’s Photography?
I wonder what the women standing perpetually accused and anonymous might say about the sale of their stolen images.
Deana Lawson's latest exhibition prohibits photography, causing discomfort among visitors. In our photo-obsessed world, this rule may unsettle some, but it highlights the need for control in a society where technology is ubiquitous. Lawson's sticker-covered camera serves as a symbol of this unmooring. The experience makes one question their ability to hold onto memories without the aid of photographic devices.
The Edge Control series, which Lawson has been working on since 2023, focuses on the pervasive presence of surveillance in everyday life, particularly in beauty supply stores. These photos are often displayed behind counters to deter theft, a practice rooted in humiliation. In an interview, Lawson explained that she feels a sense of solidarity with those depicted, as if she is stealing a picture of them stealing.
However, by limiting access to this visual medium, Lawson raises an ethical question: who has the authority to grant or revoke access to this essential aspect of our lives?
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