Can you hear me now?

During a stroll the other day, we noticed something out of the ordinary, pictured below.

"What is that?  Van Gogh's ear?"

Upon closer inspection, we noticed a sign below the large red ear:  "AUDIO SURVEILLANCE ZONE".

Hmmm.  What is going on here?  Are we under surveillance right now?

Well, what is going on here is more street art.  The artist duo, known as UrbanSolid, places pieces all around Europe. 

According to a website affiliated with the two artists:  "Every UrbanSolid installation is intended to inspire reflection upon the society at large with its 'contradictions, nonsense and paranoia'. They approach eliciting self awareness of these states in a decidedly provocative but also respectful manner. Pieces such as giant ears with the words 'Audio Surveillance Zone' beneath them make the observer stop for a moment and be cognizant of the unseen forces and societal control structures present in every day life."

Can you hear me now?  Yes, BIG BROTHER is listening.

P.S.  Does anyone know the urban legend about the source of the phrase "Can you hear me now?", before it was used in a commercial?