A) CIA Cell Tower,
Techinical Wi-Fi Antenna, Approx 10'x 3'x 3', 2007
"CIA
CELL TOWER" MONITORS LOCAL INTERNET USERS' WIRELESS TRANSMISSIONS
NYC Residents Launching High-Tech Post 9-11 Neighborhood Watch Program
September 11, 2007
Brooklyn NY- Capla Kesting Fine Art announced plans to build a 10-foot-tall cell tower designed to capture, monitor and rebroadcast wireless signals in the internet-savvy neighborhood of Williamsburg Brooklyn. The tower, named “CIA Cell Tower” will be constructed at 121 Roebling Street and unveiled during the Conflux Festival, an event organized to promote awareness of the city.
Possible terrorist cells close to the east river are targeted as candidates for Wi-Fi “eavesdropping” to ensure our safety. Proponents of the tower point to the August 3rd scare of a homemade submarine coming within striking distance of The Queen Mary 2 which was docked on the Brooklyn side of the East River
“Though they are not involved in the construction or operation of the tower, government agencies such as the NSA and the CIA can benefit from its use,” said John Leo from Capla Kesting Fine Art, whose gallery contracted the construction of the tower based on illustrations and paintings from their exhibiting artist Travis Lindquist. ”It is not an invasion of privacy but, a symbol of how far our government is willing to go to ensure our private space is an extension of their ability to protect us.”
Local developers competing for rental and loft sale revenue have been offering free wireless internet services as an attractive addition to their properties, unknowingly exposing themselves and their users to potential snooping.
“Developers are prime candidates for assisting in the use of this tower, they will provide a broad spectrum of internet users to spy on and the unsecured wireless signal in which to use,” said David Kesting, director of the Capla Kesting Fine Art gallery.
Congress’ recently approved changes to the 1978 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act allows the NSA to monitor domestic conversations and e-mails and provides the legal standing for the cell tower’s construction.
“The tower allows groups like the NSA to collect data intercepted through e-mails and internet traffic on unsecured Wi-Fi connections without having to approach internet service providers such as AT&T Inc. This will eliminate the U.S. government’s alleged complicity in current class-action lawsuits filed by consumers who feel their privacy has been violated,” explained John Leo.
Construction of the cell tower started today, the 6th anniversary of the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center and will finish for an unveiling on Friday, September 14th at 7:00 PM at Capla Kesting Fine Art, 121 Roebling St., Brooklyn, NY. Travis Lindquist’s exhibition, Times Like This One, will be on display until September 23. Gallery hours are 1:00 – 6:00 pm Thursday thru Monday, or by appointment. Media contact for the gallery, John Leo can be reached at 917-292-8865 or gallery director David Kesting at 917-650-3760, via email at info @ caplakesting.com and online at http://www.caplakesting.com The Conflux Festival can be reached at http://confluxfestival.org
Founded in October of 2003 by artists David Kesting and Lincoln Capla, Capla Kesting Fine Art has become synonymous with the exposure of underground artists. Created primarily as a venue to expose their work, and that of their talented group of friends CKFA has developed a reputation for their off the beaten path approach to advancing the public’s knowledge of premier talents that demand our attention.
“We’re not here making a statement. We’re just showing art we think deserves to be shown. The goal and whole idea of the place is to help bring artists that we respect and enjoy to the attention of the public.” – Capla Kesting Fine Art
Directions: Bedford Ave L train Stop. Exit the subway walking west on North 7th, away from river, 2 blocks to Roebling, then proceed south 2 blocks to North 5th. The gallery is located on the corner of North 5th and Roebling.
