Trevor Paglen

Date of Birth: 1974

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Biography

Trevor Paglen is an American artist, geographer, and author known for his work in investigating and documenting the unseen forces of contemporary society. Born in 1974 in Camp Springs, Maryland, Paglen has earned a reputation for his work that traverses numerous disciplines, including visual art, investigative journalism, and geography. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Berkeley, a Master of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and a Ph.D. in Geography from UC Berkeley. Paglen’s work often focuses on the themes of mass surveillance, data collection, and the hidden structures of military and intelligence operations. His projects have involved photographing classified American military installations, analyzing satellite imagery, and exploring the hidden infrastructures of the internet. His art has been exhibited in numerous prestigious venues, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Tate Modern, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Paglen has also authored several critically acclaimed books, such as “Blank Spots on the Map: The Dark Geography of the Pentagon’s Secret World” and “Invisible: Covert Operations and Classified Landscapes.” His investigative work has earned him several accolades, including the MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship in 2017.

5 Interesting Facts about Trevor Paglen

1. Trevor Paglen collaborated with the Nevada Museum of Art to launch the “Orbital Reflector,” a reflective sculpture into space, which was designed to orbit the Earth for several weeks before burning up upon re-entry.

2. He has a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of California, Berkeley, which he uses to inform his artistic practice.

3. Paglen has won several awards, including the MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship in 2017.

4. He has been featured in major exhibitions worldwide, including at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Tate Modern, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

5. His work often involves deep investigative research, utilizing tools like satellite imagery and data analysis to uncover hidden aspects of government and corporate surveillance.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Trevor Paglen

1. “Art is a way to ask questions without providing answers.”

2. “My work tries to reveal the hidden infrastructures of power by showing the physical landscapes and architectures that support them.”

3. “Surveillance is not just a collection of technologies; it’s a cultural practice.”

4. “I think of my projects as a way to make the invisible visible.”

5. “The more we know about the invisible infrastructures of our world, the more agency we can have over them.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As of the latest available data, Trevor Paglen’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, primarily derived from his art sales, book royalties, and grants.