Chairs #53

Introducing the compelling vision of Hugh McGrory, an artist forging a unique path in the contemporary art and experimental cinema landscape. In his thought-provoking new collection, 'Images Aren't Real,' McGrory draws no distinction between images made using a camera or generated with artificial intelligence; they are both artificial illusions. Still images are signifiers, AI images are imagined from data, moving images don’t really move - it’s all a sophisticated magic trick to fool our perception. This collection features thought-provoking works that invite viewers to reconsider the very fabric of visual representation. McGrory celebrates the unreality of film, photography and AI as media made by humans rather than occurring naturally, as a copy of the natural world. Embracing the artificiality of images allows him to explore the art, methods and techniques of the illusion. In his highly-anticipated feature-length art film “Underscore” (currently completing post-production) and immersive installations he crafts novel forms of experimental cinematic experiences using generative AI with actors and virtual production to create fantastical, meditative narratives. This initial collection offers a rare opportunity to acquire pieces from an artist on the cusp of significant recognition. McGrory's forward-thinking exploration of emerging technologies and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of visual art position him as a vital voice for the Digital age. Collectors who engage with “Images Aren't Real” are not just acquiring striking Digital artworks; they are investing in the nascent stages of a significant artistic journey, witnessing the genesis of a distinctive and impactful creative force. McGrory's collection "Images Aren't Real," featuring 24 works, 12 original still images and 12 moving images, debuts in the exhibition "Source Data" on view at Kinetek | Gallery at MASS MoCA campus, Building 1, Floor 3 and online in Kinetek | Metaverse.