Simulacres Exhibition at Magasins Généraux Explores AI, Deepfakes, and Truth in Images
Simulacres, a group show at Les Magasins Généraux in Pantin, France, confronts the ways generative AI blurs distinctions between reality and false images. In light of Jean Baudrillard’s 1981 dictum that the simulacrum conceals the absence of truth, 18 artists present works including Tony Matelli’s hyperrealistic sculptures that caused complaints on US campuses, Bill Posters’ 2019 deepfake of Mark Zuckerberg, and AI-driven compositions by Holly Herndon and Mat Dryhurst. Also featured are Ann Veronica Janssens, Julian Charrière, Iván Navarro, and Mayara Ferrão. The venue, a former goods depot by the Ourcq canal, is open free Wednesday to Sunday, 2–7 pm, until September 27, 2026.
Key facts
- The exhibition 'Simulacres' runs at Les Magasins Généraux, Pantin, until 27 September 2026.
- It brings together 18 artists exploring AI-generated imagery and the concept of truth.
- Tony Matelli's hyperreal sculptures previously triggered complaints on American university campuses.
- Bill Posters shows his 2019 viral deepfake video of Mark Zuckerberg.
- Holly Herndon and Mat Dryhurst are presented as pioneers of generative AI music.
- Other artists include Ann Veronica Janssens, Julian Charrière, Iván Navarro, and Mayara Ferrão.
- The show references Jean Baudrillard’s 1981 text about simulacra and truth.
- Admission is free; open Wednesday to Sunday from 2pm to 7pm, closed Monday and Tuesday.
Entities
Artists
- Jean Baudrillard
- Tony Matelli
- Bill Posters
- Holly Herndon
- Mat Dryhurst
- Ann Veronica Janssens
- Julian Charrière
- Iván Navarro
- Mayara Ferrão
- Mark Zuckerberg
Institutions
- Les Magasins Généraux
Locations
- Pantin
- France
- United States
- Canal de l'Ourcq