Disturbing

Mind Blowing

Inspiring

“Do algorithms decide which (dis)information we get to see? How can we reinvent our imperfect, messy narratives? “

“FAKE ME HARD is your guide to the post-truth society. A spectacular hands-on exhibition with installations by over 40 artists exploring the complex reality of the 21st century.

In the year 2021, we can no longer afford to feign that technology is neutral. In these times of deepfake videos and populism, it is becoming increasingly difficult to tell the difference between ‘real’ and ‘not real’. Algorithms facilitate a web of lies, with direct consequences for society and democracy. Just think of the recent storming of the Capitol by pro-Trump rioters, partly attributed to the large scale dissemination of QAnon theories by algorithms. Driving those algorithms is the shadowy business model of a handful of all-powerful big tech companies. Platforms such as Facebook and Google use our data to personalize our experience – and to influence us. With our clicking behavior we build our own mirror-palace, a hyper-personalized parallel universe. To speak in Matrix-terms: we can no longer choose between the red and the blue pill, between the truth and blissful ignorance. It seems that only the blue pill is available. But it is not too late. We don’t have to stand by and watch a new feudal era unfold. We can arm ourselves by becoming ‘robot-proof’ and by making algorithms ‘human aware’. By talking back to AI, we can teach it a language in which there is space for human significance and interpretation. Team Human can reimagine the mirror palace as an ecosystem of freedom and possibilities.” https://fakemehard.nl/

If u feel like, listen to this album https://open.spotify.com/album/0UcHfoo7KMso767JwePBMh?si=CbyhQv58Tb-8iBupGB2XDA of FSOL from 1994 i had in my head while exploring this disturbing, mind blowing and inspiring exhibition few days ago in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. My past meets the future in present day.

“Reality is approximately as dependable as a politician’s promise… the result is the same: Reality, of the capital “R” variety, has become as relative a thing as the dryness of our respective Martinis. Yet the struggle goes on, the fight continues. Against what? Ultimately, Powers, Principalities, Thrones, and Dominations, often contained in hosts who are themselves victims, prisoners, manipulated men and women.”
― “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?”