"Smoke and Mirrors” - Curated by Merav Maroody
Welcome to "Smoke and Mirrors," was an immersive AI art exhibition that delves into the unsettling realm of fake news, propaganda, and its potential consequences for democracy.
The exhibit was shown at the Radialsystem Berlin as part of the ID festival
between the 11-14 of April 2024
Exhibition Overview: As you step into this cinematic fake world, your senses will be awakened by an eerie and unsettling atmosphere. At the center of the exhibit stands a mesmerizing yet ominous spectacle—the "Propaganda Machine," built by Uri Moss. This machine, shrouded in mystery and deception, symbolizes the insidious influence of fake news and propaganda on our society. This fake smoke machine emits a surreal, intoxicating mist that engulfs the room, representing the dissemination of propaganda through various channels. As the fog swirls, you will witness images, text, and videos on the screen, showcasing the fabricated narratives that have plagued our information landscape.
In the heart of the machine is the AI-generated fake news content, created by Lukas Kuhne. These carefully crafted pieces of disinformation, sewn together with real news, challenge our perceptions of truth and reality. Fake news and propaganda often aim to influence public opinion or behavior, with motivations ranging from political influence and financial gain to ideological goals. They can also be used to create a sense of fear or impending doom, manipulating the public into supporting certain policies or leaders who promise safety, distracting from other issues, rallying people around a cause, or justifying extreme measures. Moreover, the constant barrage of doomsday scenarios can lead to fear fatigue or a sense of helplessness among the public.
On the wall, three female artists process childhood memories and reflect on their past by generating fake but real feelings. Ilanit Shamia encapsulates a personal journey through family history and collective memory in a small Israeli town. Alexandra Lier merges analog photography with AI to reminisce on her childhood road trip. Merav Maroody re-creates memories of her father working at the salt factory. "Nexa," a short film by Assi Meshullam created by AI, explores the intersection of digital existence and ancient mythologies through a digital entity's perspective, challenging notions of consciousness, identity, and the dichotomy between the tangible and virtual realms.
Daphna Keenan's ambient sound installation at the exhibition, combining sonic booms with distant war sounds, creates an atmosphere of tension and anxiety.
"Smoke and Mirrors" invites you to challenge your perceptions, confront the specter of fake news, and contemplate the path forward for a more informed and resilient democracy. We look forward to your participation in this immersive experience.
*This text was generated by ChatGPT.
