My name is Michael Garner, an American/Austrian artist who previously worked at CIA, NASA, Meta, Amnesty International, etc. Through my art, I hope to challenge assumptions as well as encourage critical thinking and empathy. I’m currently obtaining my M.A. at the Royal College of Art in London.
New Book
I recently released a book about my time working for the CIA. During my 3-year stint at the Agency, I experienced what appeared to be a mélange of surveillance in which an unknown entity penetrated every aspect of my professional and private life. I watched words change on my screen in real time on my personal computer at home, and items in my apartment were altered while I was in another room. When I described what appeared to be happening to a senior CIA manager, she said it was “plausible” that the Agency was responsible.
This book describes everything—and lays out what was really going on. It is a completely true story. You can order it here.
Fascism series
Sensitive to the situation in the United States and abroad, I’ve created a series of artworks cautioning about the specter of reemerging authoritarianism.
CIA series
I’m in in the process of creating a significant number of works based on my experience working for the CIA and the associated inexplicable occurrences. The works include installations, visual work, music, and film.
I composed the following track to accompany an installation entitled “Covert Dance Party.”
Other works
I am also creating a significant number of disparate other works, which range from whimsical to melancholy. A small selection:
