FIG. 01 How to Avoid Everything: One thing at a time
Escaping Recognition
2025
The mortifying ordeal of being known is becoming increasingly complex as high resolution satellites orbit the earth, as we live in close proximity to animal vision systems we do not comprehend, and interact with an increasing amount of people.
If only there was a way to understand and evade how we are perceived.
FIG. 02 How to Avoid IR Vision
Jumping Off Point
Pigeons like big beaks and it doesn't matter where, and chicks have an innate sense of a hen, even if it's been rearranged to a n-e-h or an e-h-n. Perhaps I could learn a thing or two from these animals.
FIG. 03 Pigeons like big beaks. Image: Patton, T. et al
FIG. 04 Grotesque taxidermy. Image: Johnson, M.H. & G. Horn
Scope & Testing
We don't exist in a single human dimension, even if we view other species to exist in ours. Perception, as well as surveillance, shall be considered in three dimensions. Human - Technology - Animal
FIG. 05 When is a screen too low quality to use?
FIG. 06 When does Snapchat recognise a face?
FIG. 07 When do we stop identifying each other?
FIG. 08 When do I become whole?
Where do you not want to be recognised?
FIG. 09 I Don't Want to be Recognized
Understanding Site Specifics
No matter where you go there is something to recognise you as a person/being/entity, does escaping make you more noticeable to another vision system?
FIG. 10 I don't want to be recognised in the garden
FIG. 11 What my neighbours & flatmates see
FIG. 12 What 'sees' me in my garden?
FIG. 13 This is what sees me
Understanding Vision Systems
There would be no good in trying to disappear with the information of how to disappear. Instead what if everyone had the potential to disappear in a blink.
FIG. 14 Night vision works by being extra sensitive to low light, so hide with a dark umbrella
FIG. 15 Hide your face from high quality cameras
FIG. 16 UV pass security cameras are not that common but many insects can see with it
FIG. 17 Mylar blankets are great at hiding your heat signature
How to Avoid Everything: One Thing at a Time
The focus of this book is to make clear the 'eyes' that surround us. The pocket guide should be used to observe, navigate, and orient us in a world filled with the fascinating ways animals see us and where vision technology usage is increasing. All in the hope of understanding first to evade later.
FIG. 18 How to Avoid Everything: One thing at a time pocket guide
FIG. 19 You might have to escape too
References
How Not To Be Seen: A Fucking Didactic Educational, Hito Steyerl
Ways of Being, James Bridle
Balconism, Constant Dullaart
Evidence Locker, Jill Magid
DAIMLER STR. 38, Tue Greenfort
How to Disappear Completely and Never Be Found, Doug Richmond