Inspired by scenes from iconic American landscapes, ranging from arid deserts to lush forests, Jacobsen delves into humanity’s connection to nature and the technology that often mediates that experience.
Posed as a complicated modern narrative, Spiritual Surveillance celebrates the awesome beauty of sweeping canyons and saluting Joshua trees, while nodding to the psychological imprint digital technology leaves on our memory and long-term interpretation of images.
Embedded in the works is the recognition of nature’s immense power in contrast to its quickening fragility. Increasingly, under threat from the continuing rollback of regulations and protections in favor of exploitation for commercial gain, the double-edged sword of technology and the legacy of Westward expansion continue into the present day. With references to landscape painters of the past, environmental activism, and recognition of technology’s central role in society, Spiritual Surveillance weaves complex visual themes from our past with an all seeing eye towards our future.