The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is the implementation of freedom of information legislation in the United States. It was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 4, 1966 (Amended 2002), and went into effect the following year. This landmark act is built on the principle that an informed citizenry is vital to the functioning of a democratic society, granting the public the right to request access to records from any federal agency.
However, the landscape changes at the local level. Each state has its own open records legislation that governs documents at the state, county, and municipal levels. This creates a complex legal patchwork across the country. While some states operate under broad “Sunshine Laws” that make police records instantly available, others are far more restrictive. This is the reason why some cities (for example, the City of Beverly Hills) do not release mug shots to the public, often citing privacy concerns to shield high-profile residents.
The purpose of freedom of information legislation is to increase the openness and transparency of government, ensuring that no one operates in the shadows. The release of mug shots and other law enforcement documents is an essential element of my work, which I investigate and research extensively.
By navigating these bureaucratic mazes—often filing requests, challenging denials, and digging through archives—I reclaim these images from the files of the state. My art serves not just as a visual commentary, but as a testament to public accountability. It captures the rare moment when the veil of celebrity PR is pierced by the flash of a police camera, reminding us that, on paper at least, the law comes for everyone.