Unmasking Misinformation: A Journey Through State Library Victoria’s "Make Believe" Exhibition
In a world saturated with fleeting images and attention-grabbing headlines, the State Library Victoria’s "Make Believe: Encounters with Misinformation" exhibition stands as a refreshing counterpoint, delving deep into the pervasive and insidious nature of misinformation. Far from being a modern phenomenon, the exhibition reveals that the spread of false or inaccurate information has plagued societies throughout history, though its reach and speed have been dramatically amplified by today’s technologies. This timely exploration uses the library’s vast collection as a springboard to examine the multifaceted ways in which misinformation manifests, from historical advertising campaigns to contemporary digital manipulations, and its impact on our understanding of the world around us.
Stepping into the exhibition space, visitors are immediately confronted with a sensory experience mirroring the overwhelming nature of the online world. Neon lights pulsate and shift through a spectrum of colors, casting an unsettling glow over the gallery. A corridor of screens, resembling oversized smartphones, stretches seemingly endlessly, reflecting off a distorted mirrored wall. These screens feature interviews with librarians, artists, doctors, and other professionals, offering insights into the mechanics and consequences of misinformation. Statistics flash across the displays, highlighting the alarming reality that misinformation often outperforms accurate news in terms of engagement.
The exhibition branches out into four distinct thematic rooms, each offering a unique case study on the impact of misinformation. The first room features the work of Wiradjuri and Ngiyampaa artist Charlotte Allingham, who reinterprets the Shell oil company’s iconic "Discover Australia" campaign from the 1950s and ’60s. Allingham subverts the idyllic imagery of the original campaign, juxtaposing it with the environmental devastation caused by fossil fuels. Her powerful murals expose the insidious nature of advertising in shaping public perception and perpetuating a sanitized narrative that obscures the environmental costs of industrial progress.
The second room, curated by artist Scotty So, explores the ease with which misinformation can be disseminated and accepted as truth in the digital age. So blends genuine historical photographs from the library’s collection with his own manipulated images, creating a playful yet thought-provoking commentary on the exoticisation of Chinese culture and the blurring lines between reality and fabrication online. His work highlights the challenges of discerning authenticity in a world awash in digitally altered images and the potential for manipulation to reshape historical narratives.
The third room confronts the pervasive gender bias within the medical profession. Historical anatomical texts, which often presented the male body as the default, are displayed alongside the "Cliterate" model, a colourful and interactive representation of the clitoris based on groundbreaking research by Professor Helen O’Connell. This juxtaposition underscores the long-standing misinformation surrounding female anatomy and the impact this has had on women’s health. The room emphasizes the crucial need for accurate and inclusive medical information, challenging the historical marginalization of women’s bodies in medical discourse.
The final room, curated by Iranian-Australian artist Sofi Basseghi, focuses on the power of art and poetry to resist censorship and challenge dominant narratives. A mesmerizing video installation features the recitation of works by Persian women poets spanning a millennium, highlighting their courage and resilience in the face of oppression. This space serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of artistic expression as a tool for dissent and a vehicle for preserving and sharing marginalized voices.
The "Make Believe" exhibition thoughtfully interweaves diverse artistic expressions with historical artifacts and contemporary research, offering a comprehensive and engaging exploration of misinformation. While the breadth of the exhibition’s scope could potentially lead to information overload, it effectively utilizes the curated spaces to guide visitors through the complexities of the topic. The exhibition serves as a timely reminder of the importance of critical thinking, media literacy, and the ongoing battle against misinformation in all its forms. It is a testament to the vital role of libraries as guardians of knowledge and champions of truth in an era increasingly susceptible to manipulation and deception.
The exhibition’s strength lies not only in its diverse range of exhibits but also in its ability to connect these seemingly disparate threads into a cohesive narrative. The carefully curated spaces, each focusing on a specific aspect of misinformation, allow visitors to delve into particular themes while simultaneously appreciating the interconnectedness of the larger issue. The exhibition fosters a sense of active engagement, prompting visitors to question the information they encounter and to consider the broader social and political implications of misinformation. In a world where information flows freely and the lines between fact and fiction become increasingly blurred, the "Make Believe" exhibition offers a valuable and thought-provoking exploration of the challenges we face in navigating the information landscape.