The series begins with a written narrative set in the pegamachos world, followed by AI-generated images that are edited to look like historical portraits. Morera prints these images using chromogenic printing, a method from the '70s and '80s, to give them a tangible, historically grounded feel. Although the images mimic photography, Morera views AI as a distinct creative medium. His work will be featured in a solo exhibition at the Craig Krull Gallery in Santa Monica, California, and in the Getty's "Queer Lens: A History of Photography" exhibit.
Key takeaways:
- Matias Sauter Morera's AI-generated photo "Cristian en el Amor de Calle" is the first AI-generated photo acquired by the Getty Museum for its permanent collection.
- The photo is part of a series that reimagines the clandestine culture of Costa Rican "pegamachos," men who maintained an outward heterosexual identity while secretly engaging in same-sex encounters.
- The Getty Museum acquired the photo to expand its holdings of work by LGBTQ+ and Latin American artists, reflecting its commitment to diverse representation.
- Morera uses AI to create images that mimic traditional photography, bridging the gap between AI-generated imagery and historical documentary portraits.