Belgian-London-based artist Marcel Top presents his recent project Poison Data, Kill Algorithms (2025), exploring the ethical and technical landscapes surrounding automated data collection and mass surveillance. Top’s work investigates how private companies collect and manipulate data for algorithmic training, and how “data poisoning” can be used to resist oppressive surveillance practices.
In conversation with Amin Yousefi, Photoworks Assistant Curator, Top will discuss his practice, layering research, documentary photography, and use of new technologies, including facial recognition, movement analysis, and deepfakes. The talk will explore the concept of manipulating datasets to disrupt extreme reliance on surveillance systems, highlighting questions of privacy, ethics, and citizen empowerment in a data-driven world.
Booking information coming soon at: www.photoworks.org.uk
About the artist
Marcel Top (b. 1997, Belgium) is a visual artist based between Belgium and London. His work explores mass surveillance, privacy, and data ethics, layering research, documentary photography, and use of new technologies such as facial recognition, movement analysis, and deepfakes. Top has exhibited internationally at FoMu, Fotofestiwal, La Mediatine, Utopias Photofestival Lahti, Openwalls Arles, Contretype, PhEST, PhMuseumdays, and Photo OpenUp. His projects are held in the collections of University of the Arts London and Institut pour la Photographie Lille. Awards include the Discovery Award at Encontros da Imagem, Prix Mediatine, Folio #3, and SOFAM Prize.
About the organisers
Photoworks is the UK’s leading international development organisation for photography, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Focused on championing photography for everyone, the organisation has provided opportunities for artists and audiences globally since 1995 through a programme of exhibitions, residencies, publications, learning, engagement and the biennale Photoworks Festival. Photoworks is a registered charity and is supported by public funding through Arts Council England’s National Portfolio. Our programme brings new experiences and opens innovative ways to encounter the ever-expanding medium of photography for audiences nationally, internationally and online. www.photoworks.org.uk
POST is a new artist-led cultural space in Hove serving lens-based artists, students, residents as well as visitors to the city. Our facilities include artists studios, co-working spaces, darkroom, photography studio, exhibition & event space, workshop & masterclass programme, community kitchen and reference library.
Our model is to share, collaborate and co-create with our members and with local organisations including Photoworks, Crane Kalman Brighton, Intrepid Cameras, FotoDocument, Spectrum Photographic, One Planet, Photo Fringe and Grow Global.
What to expect
A seated artist talk and conversation exploring surveillance, data ethics and creative resistance. Belgian-London-based artist Marcel Top discusses his project Poison Data, Kill Algorithms with Amin Yousefi from Photoworks.
Accessibility and inclusion
Free or low cost event
Audience target/s
Everyone
Audience type / suitability
Adults and young people (14+)
Organiser
Photoworks & POST