ambient propaganda

The exhibition Ambient Propaganda explores the shift from the classic “top-down” concept of propaganda to a new and more contemporary understanding of propaganda as ambient influence, in which ideology is unconsciously absorbed by everyday digital culture. From TikTok trends to political fandoms, the works emphasize how the boundaries between self-expression, performance and ideological reproduction have blurred.

On our algorithmically determined and emotionally compelling platforms, faith and conviction are no longer influenced by direct 'top-down' messages, but much more by participation: through memes, aesthetics and performances by influencers who 'feel good'. We get caught up in feedback loops that are as emotional as they are informative. Meanwhile, global crises – from pandemics to wars – expose how these digital transformations have direct political, social and even military consequences.

Artists: Noura Tafeche deconstructs the aesthetics of cuteness and violence. Lesia Vasylchenko investigates algorithms formed by war. Pedro Gossler explores political identity as a fandom. Total Refusal reflects on the subject of digital control. Marc Tuters empirically traces the dynamics of conspiracy thinking. Paolo Cirio makes the hidden, dark patterns of influence visible. Dana Dawud, Brandon Bandy and Fantastic Little Splash investigate nostalgia, ideological reduction and information overload.

Curators: Marc Tuters, Lesia Kulchynska and Boris Noordenbos

Praktische informatie:
De tentoonstelling loopt van 29 augustus 2025 tot en met 26 oktober 2025 en kan gedurende deze periode bezocht worden van woensdag tot en met zondag tussen 12.00 en 18.00 uur bij het Centrum voor Mediacultuur op de Lange Nieuwstraat 4, in Utrecht. Een ticket kost €6,-.

22-08-2025 t/m 22-11-2025