Texts
Artist Statement
Using the mediums of performance, video, and installation, I try to connect with viewers on a base level that addresses the unspoken challenges that many face in their daily lives.
I endeavour to make people feel that they have some company in their doubts and fears. My latest series looks at the social phenomena of loneliness and uncertainty. This exploration stems from my prior artistic research into the value of privacy.
At a time when more people are connected to each other than ever before, there is a growing feeling of isolation and insecurity among many individuals. The new public space now extends to the home, where feelings of failure are often hidden behind felicitous Twitter and Facebook updates. (‘Social Networking: Failure to Connect’, The Guardian, 2010) As we battle to accept ourselves in comparison to others, a “Status Anxiety” takes place, for want of love from peers or a belonging in society. (Alain de Botton, 2004)
My recent works look at this issue and how individuals behave in a status-driven world.
Prior to this series, my artistic research concentrated on issues of privacy and individual’s loss of control of personal data online. In this previous work I considered the psychological aspects of surveillance and control, as well as the value of personal information to commercial third parties. This exploration led me to develop a deep respect for the importance of privacy and the need for an independence of thought for every individual. These are essential elements for the development of identity and self in a constantly changing and mediated environment.
In all of my works I endeavour to engage the common viewer and to make them feel that others also share their same doubts, fears and anxieties and to make them feel a little bit better.
Julia Burns: Privacy Online
Dorkbot NYC, Location One Soho, 4 November 2009
"I am a new media artist based in Sydney, Australia. I am interested in the changing concepts of privacy and public access to the private sphere online. In addition to leading an audience-based discussion regarding Mark Klein's book "Wiring Up The Big Brother Machine..." regarding internet surveillance, I will present my latest series of works that use performance and vintage technology to examine contemporary issues concerning Facebook, Twitter, and Google Cache.
Published Texts
Public Access to the Private Domain: An Artistic InterpretationMasters of Computer Science by Research, February 2010
Creativity and Cognition Studios
Faculty of Engineering and IT
The University of Technology Sydney