The Museum of Modern Art in New York will feature 'Synthetic Memories' by Domestic Data Streamers, highlighting the intersection of AI and personal history. This exhibition opens a dialogue on memory preservation and generative technology.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMa) in New York is set to unveil an innovative art project titled ‘Synthetic Memories’, created by the Barcelona-based studio Domestic Data Streamers. This exhibition will include nine unique pieces that utilize artificial intelligence to evoke memories that were never physically recorded. The initiative, which began in 2022, aims to explore the complexities of memory through a contemporary lens.
At the heart of this project lies a collaborative process where individuals share their memories with an interviewer. These recollections are then transformed into visual representations using generative AI models. As noted by Pau Aleikum Garcia, co-founder and director of Domestic Data Streamers, each image produced is not intended to replicate a photograph but rather reconstructs memories in a dreamlike manner, intentionally obscuring identifiable features.
This approach serves multiple purposes: it acts as a platform for communities striving to preserve both individual and collective memories while also prompting critical discussions about the evolving role of generative AI in society. The exhibited works span various decades and contexts, addressing significant themes such as the struggle for LGTBI rights during Franco’s regime in Spain and the oppressive dictatorship under Augusto Pinochet in Chile.
Among the poignant stories featured are those of immigrants, including a woman who clandestinely emigrated from Korea to Brazil. Other pieces reflect intimate moments like family fishing nights in Dubai or walks through Paiporta following severe flooding events known as DANA.
“We work with data, but above all we work with people: with what they remember, what they know, and what often lacks a space for expression,” Aleikum emphasizes.
The exhibition is part of ‘Full Disclosure: The Edge of Information Design’, marking MoMa’s first dedicated showcase on information design. Running from September 27, 2016, until June 13, 2027, this display will also feature works from notable artists such as Kate Crawford and Vladan Joler alongside contributions from Forensic Architecture.
This initiative not only highlights technological advancements but also reinforces the importance of storytelling through art. Visitors can expect an immersive experience that challenges conventional narratives around memory and identity. For those interested in attending this thought-provoking exhibition at MoMa, tickets can be purchased online or at the museum entrance during regular hours.
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