I am 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.
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 true story. You can order it here.
CIA series
I’m in in the process of creating a significant number of works based on my experience working for the CIA. The works include installations, visual images, music, and film. The following are early works unrelated to the experiences described in the book. More will follow.
I composed the following track to accompany an installation entitled “Covert Dance Party.”
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.
Other works
I am also creating a significant number of disparate other works, which range from whimsical to melancholy. A small selection:
