Zinnov Foundation Debuts New-Media Art Installation at Confluence 2026 to Examine Public Space Surveillance

BENGALURU, India — The Zinnov Foundation debuted a new-media art installation named 'The Eye That Remembers' at Confluence 2026, aiming to open a broader dialogue regarding how technology influences human interaction with public spaces.

Created by artist Siddharth Kaneria following an open call, the installation utilizes a grid of obsolete television sets displaying handcrafted cyanotype human eyes. Through real-time tracking technology, the displayed eyes follow visitors as they move through the exhibition area, inverting the traditional dynamic between a viewer and an artwork.

The project juxtaposes the memory and imperfections of human vision with machine pattern recognition, bringing topics of privacy, observation, and personal agency into a direct experience. Yamini Telkar, Director of the Public Spaces Initiative at Zinnov Foundation, noted that the installation integrates the viewer directly into the work, highlighting how artificial intelligence impacts transit systems and community environments.

Shanthamani Muddaiah, Visual Artist and Creative Advisor for the Foundation, added that public art must alter how individuals navigate physical environments, making abstract surveillance concerns tangible for visitors. Following the installation's debut, the Foundation hosted a fireside conversation titled 'How Public Infrastructure Can Shape the Identity of a City,' focusing on Bengaluru's evolving transit and community infrastructure.

Additionally, the Foundation convened an invitation-only corporate roundtable centered on 'The Corporate Value Proposition: Transforming Public Spaces into Places.' This session examined how businesses can approach public space interventions through accessibility, sustainability, community needs, and long-term value.

Heena Pari, Visual Artist and Chair at Zinnov Foundation, emphasized the importance of thoughtful design and community context as technology becomes increasingly embedded within urban environments.

The Zinnov Foundation continues to develop its Public Spaces Initiative through a four-pillar methodology that includes raising awareness for accessible public spaces, building artist and urban planner networks, delivering expert advisory services, and implementing direct art projects and research. The Foundation aims to connect the private sector, civil society, and creative fields to translate guidance frameworks into practical improvements for urban life.

"The integration of technology and public infrastructure is an increasingly critical area for urban development and corporate participation. Initiatives that combine creative practice with civic dialogue help stakeholders better understand the practical implications of surveillance and AI in public spaces. For businesses looking toward long-term community value, engaging with these urban planning and accessibility frameworks presents a meaningful avenue for sustainable impact." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes