C-Print. 152 x 121 cm. Cortesy: Galerie Thomas Zander, Colonia y Altman Siegel Gallery, San Francisco; DMSP

The Other Night Sky series uses data compiled by amateur astronomers and hobbyist satellite observers to track and photograph classified reconnaissance satellites in earth orbit. The images of formations of stars and planets are deceptively suggestive of Romantic paintings, yet show the “other” night sky that is itself a watchful eye. Paglen’s works turn reconnaissance technologies against themselves, providing access to the classified and thereby “watching them watching us”.