Viral Hallucinations

Hamburg’s Haus der Photographie (currently located in the temporary PHOXXI building) has started a new exhibition programme, comprising a series of showcases and events that will explore the relationship between AI-generated imagery and the rise of conspiracy theories within our society. The programme, which is to be presented from 2024 to 2026 under the umbrella title Viral Hallucinations, is conceptualised by the venue’s new curator, Nadine Isabelle Henrich. The aim is to use showcases, workshops and events to highlight contemporary visuals that blur the lines between humour, specific ideologies and systematic disinformation. 

The first exhibition in this series is Tactics and Mythologies, created by the New York based duo Andrea Orejarena (b. 1994, Columbia) – a multi-media artist with a degree in cognitive science – and documentary photographer Caleb Stein (b. 1994, UK). Their showcase is an experiential road-trip through the visual worlds of viral conspiracy theories. Using both still photographs and videos, Orejarena & Stein investigate the narratives and simulation techniques involved in targeted misinformation. Their work has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian, i-D Vice, Vogue Italia, and Wallpaper*. Their joint project Long Time No See (2015–2020) marked the start of the duo’s fascination with the role of photography in the interplay between perception and imagination.