Surveillance Panopticon

I was in a psychology class learning about prisoners and panopticons. This piece is about surveillance, based on Michel Foucault’s theory. Surveillance, as defined by Foucault, is used as a disciplinary tool for obeying and ordering people. Childrens’ behavior is shaped by the fear of a higher authority from a young age- whether it be through parental discipline, religious beliefs, or cultural norms. The panopticon in the center is modeled after tic-tac-toe panels found on playgrounds. Each side of the panel is one of three figures: a parent, Santa, and Jesus Christ. The top panel shoots out a ray of light through the eyes of each figure, modeling prison panopticons. Each side of the box is a room that corresponds to each authority figure: a religious shrine, Christmas decoration, and a teen room.