FLORIAN MEHNERT
FORESTPROTOCOLS ( WALDPROTOKOLLE )
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PHOTO: C/O BERLIN, DAVID VON BECKER
In response to the NSA scandal, Florian Mehnert had bugged paths and clearings in forests for days in 2013. His microphones installed there listened to passers-by. Sounds and conversations were recorded and processed into digital traces. After evaluating the data, the artist published extracts of the logs on his website.
to the website of the published protocols, 2013
Radio SRF 2 Kultur, Schweiz, 10.01.2014, Florian Mehnert: Kunstaktion gegen den Abhörskandal
installation view Wolfsburg
The invisible threat Florian Mehnert bugs the nature, the forest, the last retreat, where man feels undisturbed and unheard.
There is no more unsurveilled place.
With his art project "Forestprotocols" Florian Mehnert points out the danger and absurdity of mass surveillance.
By publishing the records, he makes the invisible surveillance visible and calls for reflection on monitoring.
The FORESTPROTOCOLLS illustrate the hidden operating monitoring.
Reactions to the forest protocols
Florian Mehnert, arte
The publication of the FOREST PROTOCOLLS followed by great media resonance. Florian Mehnert received a complaint according to § 201 of the German Public law (STGB) for violation of the confidentiality of the word. The public prosecutor's office investigated and applied the freedom of art.