Medialab Matadero's LAB 5 Explores Truth in the Age of AI and Deepfakes

Medialab Matadero in Madrid has launched LAB 5, titled 'La mecánica de la verdad' (The Mechanics of Truth), a multi-month program curated by Bani Brusadin. Running from May to November, it examines how digital technologies—AI, deepfakes, data manipulation—blur the line between reality and artifice, referencing philosopher Vilém Flusser's analysis of technical images. The program includes workshops, seminars, exhibitions, and public activities. It began on May 7 with 'Estudio de Sistemas', a creative research line offering seven workshops through October, starting with 'Anatomía de un no-hecho' led by artist-researcher Martyna Marciniak on visual literacy for synthetic images. A key component is the 'Laboratorio de Prototipado Colaborativo', an intensive workshop from November 12 to 25 for 20 emerging creators selected via open call (deadline June 15), mentored by Lucia Rebolino, Sophie Publi, and Júlia Nueno Guitart. Results will be presented at the OpenLAB festival from November 26 to 28. On October 15, a group exhibition of site-specific works by five international artists opens at Nave Una, addressing themes like the historical relationship between technology and perception and digital occultism.