Full Spectrum Warfare

The Secret Struggle for the Shortwave Radio Bands

Full Spectrum Warfare is a traveling exhibition based on my photographic project and book Shadows of the State (2014 – 2018), and has been developed with Dr. Elspeth Van Veeren, and with generous support from the University of Bristol and the University of the Arts London.

Shadows of the State investigates the mysterious transmissions known as ‘numbers stations’. These are widely believed to be covert broadcasts, communications between intelligence organisations and their agents overseas, and yet despite this clandestine quality, they are signals that almost anyone can tune in and listen to. Using open source research techniques, the project attempts to trace a series of these transmissions back to their broadcast points scattered across the world.

Full Spectrum Warfare uses this work as a basis to explore the ways that an invisible conflict has raged across the radio spectrum for almost a century. As well as numbers stations, it also examines the use of black and grey propaganda stations, and the deployment of radio jamming technology, to inform, confuse and obscure. Comprised of satellite maps of transmitter sites, images of radio spectrograms.

In addition to these core elements there are also various optional extras available by request, including Numbers in the Dark, a 20 minute looping video installation, a copy of the Shadows of the State book, and various items of research material and other ephemera from the making of the project, including spy radio sets and declassified documents. The combination of exhibition elements is designed to be reshaped for different spaces, and to be presentable as both a small selection of images for small venues, or as a complete display for larger ones.

Full Spectrum Warfare consists of:

= prints (size)
= banners (size)
= Numbers in the Dark a 22 minute looping HD video
= Display copy of the Shadows of the State book
= Housed in shipping crate, 120 x 60 x 80 cm, approximately 120 kg when packed.
= Additional imagery, research materials and project ephemera available by arrangement.

If you would like more details or are interested in discussing a loan of this exhibition for your institution please get in contact.