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Diy: How to Block a Cctv Camera According to AI Weiwei

Enchant

Ai Weiwei, together with other artists, shares a step-by-step manual that enables us to make a device that will block the vision of the awkward and morally oppressive surveillance cameras.

The always subversive and incredibly creative artist Ai Weiwei shares a step-by-step manual manual on how to make a gadget at home that will block the uncomfortable view of any surveillance camera.

Do it has a list of collaborators that include David Lynch, Louise Bourgeoise and Douglas Coupland. It explores art by separating the author from authorship, art as a form of internationalism, art as homage and art as part of city life. The book consists of instructions for all sorts of creations, ranging from sculptures, performance art, philosophic reflections, recipes and urban interventions. This last sphere includes the collaboration of Chinese dissident artist, Ai Weiwei, a DIY spray that blocks “Big Brother’s” view.

CCTV SPRAY

How to make a spray device to block a surveillance camera:

Do you feel uncomfortable, confused, disgusted, or even irate because of a surveillance camera fixed at the wrong place? To block its view, spray-painting would be the best choice. It is highly accessible, inexpensive, and effective. Moreover, it is a perfect gesture in presenting street culture.

It is difficult to spray on a surveillance camera at a high place directly by hand. Instead of carrying a ladder on the streets, it is more practical to make an adjustable, easy-to-carry, and low-cost spray device.

It is best to use materials easily found from daily life to create this tool.

Weiwei goes on to list the other materials required for the ‘device’: a spray bottle, a corkscrew, a bicycle bottle carrier, a bicycle hand-brake, a screwdriver and a stick. He then explains the production process:

First find a long stick of suitable height. Considering portability, a collapsible tree pruner is recommended. Then select a stable frame that can secure a bottle or a can. For example, a bottle cage for bicycles would be a good fit. After that, find a trigger and fix it at the top of the stick. A wine bottle opener is a good choice, because its flexible lever structure can reduce the force and distance needed to press the spray nozzle.

We also need a linkage device to control the wine bottle opener at the top. A bicycle brake bar is an excellent choice.

Finally, prepare screws and nylon ropes as needed.

The artist then explains the following under ‘uses’:

First fix the wine bottle opener at the top of the tree pruner (a.01).

Then set the spray can into the bottle cage. Make sure the handle of the bottle opener is affixed to the right position, where it gives easiest nozzle control. Use screws to secure the bottle cage (a.02). Fix the brake bar at the other end of the tree pruner (a.03).

Secure the spray paint can and use a nylon rope to fasten the flexible shaft (a.04).

Adjust the height of the stick. Then connect the handle of the bottle opener to the shaft of the brake (a.05–a.06).

The homemade adjustable spray device is now complete.

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