Can we really expect privacy anymore? How far is going too far?

By: Cole Buergi, VP of Business Development, Leonard & Finco Public Relations

There is photographic art exhibit on display at the Julie Saul Gallery in Chelsea, New York drawing significant criticism and generating renewed interest in the question of when is our privacy just that, private.

Arne Svenson: Neighbors #5

The display highlights people in everyday life going about their business. Where the exhibit becomes controversial is that the photographer, Arne Svenson, took the photos from his own apartment using a telephoto lens to capture images of others through the windows of their apartments without their knowledge.

According to the artist, the images didn’t show anyone’s face so it is not an invasion of privacy. 

I’ve decided to write on this topic because I’m wondering how others feel – is this an invasion of privacy?

I ask the question because technology, in particular, social media, seems to be chipping away at our “traditional” boundaries of privacy.

Nowadays, it seems that anything that can be captured via video or camera is fair game on the Internet.

Not only are others able to encroach on our privacy, but many of us, myself included, frequently open the door to this invasion without thinking twice about it. We do so by freely sharing much of our private lives with others using Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and an array of other social media platforms. It may not seem like it because we are in control of it but, when you think about it, you’re showing a private side of yourself to people that would otherwise never get to see it. Some may argue this sharing is removing a layer of privacy you once had.

Do you agree or disagree? What are your thoughts on the artist with an eye for his neighbors?