hand-embroidered artworks by francine leclercq capture surveillance cameras’ 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