No Fly Security, 2018-19
Intercepted data on laser paper
Dimensions variable

No Fly Security is an immersive installation comprised by official reports, testimonies, and leaked data from the No Fly list, a list created and maintained by the United States federal government's Terrorist Screening Center (TSC). The list identifies people who are prohibited from boarding commercial aircraft for travel within, into, or out of the United States.



The work employs a data visualization technique known as datagram, initiated 22 years ago when Merhi started intercepting the emails of the late and former President of Venezuela, Hugo Chávez (Maximum Security, 1998- 2004).


Formally speaking, a datagram is a procedural pattern that uses a geometric algorithm to scatter and display information on 2D surfaces. When the data –printed on adhesive laser paper– is placed on the wall, an immersive data landscape emerges, allowing the viewers/participants to navigate the content in many different ways.

No Fly Security puts on evidence the initial errors of the agency, as well as the struggle of many Americans and nationals from other countries whose identities have been mistaken.



Collection: Cisneros Fontanals Art Foundation, Miami, FL.

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