Weaponized Surveillance is based on my questions about drone technology and its uses. Drones, used for warfare, for surveillance, for commercial delivery, for political and scientific intelligence gathering, for crime prevention and investigation, are already in place. Weaponized UAVs have become a routine, invisible tool for “taking out the bad guys” in countries other than our own. Many people in the world live in fear of drone attacks. We, in the US, do not, but it could come to that. Issues of sovereignty, power, and intent are the underpinnings of my drone-themed work. The new “swarm” technology also haunts me. I see weaponized swarms becoming a common tool in warfare.

Do we have privacy and safety? I believe it depends on who you are, where you live and what “side” you are on.

I know boundaries will be crossed and designations of drone-free zones will be ignored. The implications of the widespread use of drones have yet to play out.

- Beverly Ryan, Artist