> ## Content Index
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# Pixel Currency
- URL: https://www.protein.xyz/pixel-currency/
- Published: 2014-06-24T10:07:00.000Z
- Updated: 2016-06-15T14:08:13.000Z
- Description: A new art project cashing in on facial recognition technology
- Author: Maks Fus Mickiewicz
- Tags: Seeds, Art & Design, #protein, #Import 2024-06-11 13:25

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/fc/71/fc716215-5729-441a-bd07-e2b50bc413b1/content/images/S3/protein/10113/031d2394-f2bf-4d94-9b8d-9f08e52a525b.jpg)

Do we own the rights to our faces? If so, can you expect royalties when someone takes your picture?  
  
[Pixel Currency](http://sureskumar.com/?p=881&ref=protein.xyz), the latest project by artist-designer [Sures Kumar](http://sureskumar.com/?ref=protein.xyz) is an all too possible Orwellian concept; an alternative future where everyone owns his or her image at all times. Any faces in the background of a photo are automatically blurred until you pay to unlock them. Citizens can define the settings for the viewership rights of his captured form, choosing to monetise or privatise their image. On the flip side, if you were to capture an entity/ 'Volume' (perhaps an advertising billboard) in the background of your photo, expect to be paid by the owner of the entity for your troubles. How much you get paid depends on the intention of the image.  
  
The technology is almost there; Facebook already has the means to tag the faces in virtually every image you upload. Combine that with people's disdain for being involuntarily snapped and their love of money for nothing, and you've got an outcome that makes a model of everyone.  
  
Pixel Currency is on display at [Show RCA](http://www.rca.ac.uk/news-and-events/events/show-rca-2014/?ref=protein.xyz) 2014 from June 18 to 29.  
  
  
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/fc/71/fc716215-5729-441a-bd07-e2b50bc413b1/content/images/S3/protein/10113/4f60286c-0da3-4290-b3a6-c6d734cff52c.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/fc/71/fc716215-5729-441a-bd07-e2b50bc413b1/content/images/S3/protein/10113/8ec5180f-9be4-4a8e-ad5f-1a6e8999b9ba.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/fc/71/fc716215-5729-441a-bd07-e2b50bc413b1/content/images/S3/protein/10113/8d19bc54-3ee1-400e-9ffb-59cf725c0ea5.jpg)