# Noisy Neighbor Cut-Outs Astrid Jaekel Curtain Twitchers Provide a Watchful Window Addition By Romina S. Cortellucci | Published 2012-05-15 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/astrid-jaekel-curtain-twitchers1 References: [aestheticoflostness.org](http://www.aestheticoflostness.org/2012/05/curtain-twitchers-by-astrid-jaekel.html) & [astridjaekel](http://www.astridjaekel.com/) Astrid Jaekel Curtain Twitchers keep an eye on the neighborhood. Created by Irish-born artist Astrid Jaekel, this display is featured on Edinburgh’s Victoria Street. Visible in the daytime, these creepy cut-outs come alive at night. Jaekel has masterfully lit each display, reaching her goal of gaining maximum impact at the darkest hours. Resembling stain glass, these [paper cutouts are incredibly detailed](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folded-time) on such a large scale. Each cutout depicts a senior citizen staring cynically through the windows. Slightly judgmental and wholly truthful, these [window watchers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unheard-voices-pavilion) impart some wisdom, stating that maybe if passersby, “knew they were being watched they might behave.” This quote was written by Alan Bennett for the [BBC](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/physical-wearables-collection) Television Series ‘Talking Heads’ in a Lady of Letters monologues, and shows the societal reflection meant to depict the downfall of society that is identified by Jaekel's piece. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.7/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 4% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Street Art Displays:** A trend in utilizing urban spaces to showcase art that engages with and comments on society, offering opportunities for artists to display their work and create dialogue. - **Interactive Public Art:** A trend towards artwork that engages with and responds to the public, creating opportunities for more immersive and participatory experiences. - **Smart Lighting Systems:** A trend in utilizing advanced lighting technology to create dynamic and transformative lighting effects, creating opportunities for enhanced experiences and increased energy efficiency. ### Where This Applies - **Fine Arts:** A growing industry for artists seeking to showcase unique and thought-provoking works in public spaces, gaining audience engagement and recognition. - **Smart Home Technology:** An industry that can adapt the idea of smart lighting systems and add sensors to give more precise control over lighting and monitor more accurately. - **Urban Planning:** A potential avenue for incorporating street art displays and interactive public artwork into revitalization projects and ongoing planning efforts, creating more engaging and dynamic urban spaces. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Statement Street Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-street-art-1.md) - [Window-Emulating Lighting Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/window-chronicles.md) - [Distorted Furniture Street Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/first-kiss-at-last-light.md) - [Performance-Driven Public Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fourth-wall.md) - [Illuminated Curtained Light Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/making-the-invisible-visible.md) - [Sculptural Surveillance Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sculptural-surveillance.md) - [Sculptural Public Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clock-house.md) - [Artful Suspended Fashion Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-figures.md) - [Spiky Inflatable Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inflatable-sculptures1.md)