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TRACKING SECURITY

Tracking Security is a solo exhibition by emerging South West Sydney artist, Veronica Habib. The exhibition juxtaposes Habib’s Safety Lines series of works, which originated in 2012 and continues in 2015 with newly commissioned works by Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre.

The ongoing project focuses on the perception of danger and safety, both as an attitude and psychological state, rather than a physical state of safety. The series of works created explore the widely held perception of danger beyond the private sphere in contrast to the public sphere.

For instance, Habib explores the performance of ‘safety theatre’ - the creation of a sense of security and safety that may or may not be real - by commuters on public transport. She reveals that our understanding of danger and safety in everyday life is evaluated by a ‘perceived normative’ (products) and security safety systems (services). Announcements, advertisements, signage and the installation of emergency contact points referenced in Habib’s work act out implications of safety and security on public trains. There is an expectation for the public to not challenge these evocative symbols of safety.

The 2012 Safety Line series was realised through a series of interviews quoting the public’s fears in of racism, terrorism and crime. The Safety Line series is also complemented by images of train tickets in the form of posters and paper tickets, as well as a series of photographs and a video installation.

The 2015 Safety Line seriesdepicts advancements in security technology such as the Opal Card and its associated tracking systems. Habib also challenges security advertising and privacy in new works including, Attention Passengers and In Case of an Emergency, referencing the performative aspects of ‘safety theatre’.