System Azure and Evidence Locker are two separate artworks by Jill Magid that explore the creative potential of surveillance cameras. Magid demonstrates how CCTV cameras can be used to create and record beautiful moments and interactions instead of just watching for problems.

System Azure is a series of jeweled security camera installations, conceived in 2003. Magid originally approached the Police Headquarters in Amsterdam and asked if she could cover the surveillance cameras on their facade with fake jewels as an art project.

When the police rejected her request, she created a spoof company called System Azure and re-approached them with the exact same question. This time around, she introduced herself as Head Security Ornamentation Professional and presented the idea in terms of 'public relations instead of art. Naturally, she asked for a fee.

Bingo! After a lengthy period of negotiations, she succeeded in in covering four of the Headquarters’ cameras with glittering rhinestones.

In 2004 - commisioned by the Liverpool Art Biennial - Magid created Evidence Locker in which she employs Liverpool's CCTV infrastructure to stage a conceptual cinematic narrative.

The work is composed of 31 days of CCTV footage, which features Magid traversing the city while being wirelessly guided, monitored, and recorded by an 'observer' in the central CCTV control room.

The project's website is a narrative in itself and contains lots of interesting information. Visitors can get access to 31 fragments of CCTV footage as well as diary-like letters written by Magid to her 'observer'.

• System Azure • Evidence Locker