© Steven Cottingham, As far as the drone can see (2024).
Steven Cottingham
As far as the drone can see
From February 6 to March 29, 2025
Opening on February 6
Steven Cottingham is interested in virtual realism and the politics of visualization. Through case studies on body cameras, surveillance advertising, military simulation software and the use of AI in prisons, his research analyzes how emerging image technologies affect social behavior. His practice emphasizes the constructed nature of images, not to underline their fakeness, but rather to reveal the technological methods and social conditions through which meaning emerges. A kind of experimental documentary shot in the virtual world of ArmA 3, a photorealistic MilSim widely used by law-enforcement training programs, private military companies and wargamers, As far as the drone can see explores the intersectionality between gender, war and representation. Cottingham's practice thus questions our presence — and acceptance — within this virtual realism, as well as inhabiting a world incessantly confronted with its duality.
Dazibao thanks the artist for his generous collaboration as well as its advisory committee for their support.
Dazibao receives financial support from the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Conseil des arts de Montréal, the ministère de la Culture et des Communications and the Ville de Montréal.
Dazibao acknowledges that it is located on the unceded territory of the Kanien'kehá: ka Nation and that Tiohtiá:ke / Montreal is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations, and today, is home to a diverse population of Indigenous as well as other peoples. Guided by ethics of respect, listening, and awareness, Dazibao commits to a continued reflection regarding the deep-rooted and systemic challenges tied to accessibility and inclusivity in the arts and beyond, and endeavors to apply such reflections to all aspects of its activities and governance.