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WTF (what the fact)?

Between truth and perception

In a world where we are surrounded by glowing screens every day and information pours in on us in a never-ending stream, it is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between what is real and what is perceived. “What The Fact?” - this spontaneous exclamation reflects the wonder and confusion that often floods us as we grapple with the strange duality of our existence. At the interface between reality and perception lies an inexhaustible creative potential that invites artists to develop their very own artistic interpretations.

Perception is a complex interplay of senses, memories, emotions and context. What we see as “real” is often only one facet of the multi-layered reality we are trying to grasp. Each individual brings their own experiences, prejudices and perspectives to this perception. This opens up a fascinating space for artists who have the opportunity to experiment with these facets and create new meanings. Art thus becomes a tool that helps to question the boundaries of the visible and discover different truths.

The influence of digital media, social networks and artificial intelligence has significantly changed the way we consume information and perceive the world. The boundaries between the physical world and digital space are beginning to dissolve. This offers immense opportunities for artists to artistically process and reflect on these phenomena. Interactive installations that actively involve the viewer or digital artworks that play with perception can encourage the audience to think critically about their own perspectives. How do we see ourselves in this constantly changing landscape of illusions?

In times of “fake news” and digital manipulation, the demand on art to present truths or reveal illusions is more urgent than ever. Artists are in a unique position to reflect on the complexity of truth and open up a dialog about the relationship between factual reality and subjective perception. Their works can act as mirrors that challenge us in our own perception of reality and encourage us to explore different perspectives. 

We look forward to artistic explorations of the theme and to the next “WTF moment”.