ICU

A Playful Stab at Surveillance

“ICU is a bizarre, Monsters Inc.-esque bionic eyeball, designed as a satirical commentary on the constant surveillance that surrounds us. Whether it’s the micromanagement we face in daily life or the overreaching eyes of the state, we’re always being watched. This sculpture doesn’t shy away from that reality; instead, it turns it on its head.

The eye, ever-vigilant and unnervingly human-like, wears a little hat on its eyelid—a playful touch that pokes fun at the notion of constant observation. The question arises: who is really the joke here? "You see me, ICU!" becomes a challenge to the watchers, reminding them of the absurdity and powerlessness of their gaze.

For me, this piece is a statement about taking away the power of the surveillant. By embracing the fact that we’re being watched, we can shift the narrative. In my own life, I’ve found that playing along for my own entertainment—making a show of knowing I’m being observed—can sometimes render the surveillance pointless. "ICU" is a humorous, yet poignant reminder that we hold the power to neutralise the effect of being constantly watched.”