francine leclercq's hand-embroidered artworks capture surveillance footage

‘Embroidered Surveillance’ by Francine LeClercq

Artist Francine LeClercq transforms images captured by surveillance cameras into intricate hand-embroidered artworks. In an era dominated by surveillance culture, the work challenges the conventional perceptions of surveillance by reimagining its visual language through the intricate art of hand embroidery. Each piece represents a nuanced translation of surveillance footage, bridging the realms of security technology and traditional handiwork. Through this artistic endeavor, the artist evokes themes of privacy, observation, and societal norms surrounding constant surveillance.

DC8, cross stitch embroidery, 24 x 48 inches | all images courtesy of Francine LeClercq

LECLERCQ contemplates privacy and constant observation

By employing the medium of embroidery, a symbol of human connection and intimacy, Francine Leclercq invites viewers to contemplate the dichotomy between the invasive nature of surveillance and the personal touch of artistic expression. Furthermore, her meticulous craftsmanship of 40,000 hand-embroidered cross stitches reflects a dedication to the passage of time through the labor-intensive process in contrast to the rapid capture of a movie image in 1/24 second, highlighting the dynamic interplay between sequential time and decisive moments.

Bike, cross stitch embroidery, 24 x 48 inches

Bike, cross stitch embroidery, detail

DC8, cross stitch embroidery, detail

SIKKEMA, cross stitch embroidery, 24 x 48 inches

SIKKEMA, cross stitch embroidery, detail

project info:

name: Embroidered Surveillance
artist: Francine LECLERCQ | @francine.leclercq.ny

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

AS-FL

mar 20, 2024