Neighborhood, from the Air

Neighborhood, from the Air (Glyph Drawing No. 7) might resemble a satellite view of a suburban neighborhood — two rooftops, a shared driveway or cul-de-sac — reinforcing the themes of neighbors and proximity introduced in the previous drawing. Like that work, this drawing also considers the modern digital perspective, including vantage points that were inaccessible for nearly all of human history. Before the 20th century, the view from above was limited to towers or mountain peaks; afterward it required the cost of a flight or access to photographs in an encyclopedia. Only recently have satellite images become something we casually carry in our pockets. What was once unimaginable has become ordinary, while raising questions about privacy and consent when anyone’s home can be seen from the sky.

The phrase “from the Air” is a nod to Laurie Anderson’s song of the same name. Her work as both a visual artist and musician is a regular source of inspiration; her music often plays in the studio while these pieces take shape.