Beneath the term 'artificial intelligence' lies a paradox. On one hand, 'artificial' invokes ideas of something fake and unnatural. A contrast to the lofty ideals of 'intelligence'—truth, knowledge and the power to shape our world. Can this oxymoronic union be anything but a distortion? This puzzle underpins our spring 2025 exhibition.
Lifelike AI-generated images, from the Pope wearing Balenciaga to Taylor Swift in explicit scenes, have spread virally online, threatening society's ability to separate fact from fiction. Yet it's this very tension—of apprehension and awe, disgust and attraction, worry and comfort—that fascinates us about AI.
From Doha to Damascus, AI-backed tools are revolutionizing journalism, augmenting the creation, distribution and consumption of media. However, the motives behind AI's use remain contentious, with concerns about deception, undermining public trust and perpetuating societal divisions.
An inquiry into AI for investigative journalism, and journalists investigating AI, is needed now more than ever. We will uncover everyday misconceptions, consider unforeseen impacts, and envision a future where AI strengthens journalism and serves the greater good.
Through evidence-based storytelling, data visualization, case studies and artistic interpretations, the exhibition explores four key themes: Hindsight, Insight, Oversight and Foresight. Visitors will embark on a reflective journey into the past, discover the transformative power of AI, examine the ethical implications of its global influence and imagine a future where these technologies strengthen media while upholding core values.
About the curatorial team
Jack Thomas Taylor
Jack Thomas Taylor is a founding curator of the Media Majlis Museum at Northwestern Qatar. He has been based in the Arabian Peninsula since 2009, living and working in Bahrain, the UAE, and Qatar. During this time, he has worked across multiple creative industries in curation, publishing, branding, and creative strategy. As Curator of Art, Media and Technology, his recent curatorial work includes What's between, between? (2026), Memememememe (2025), Ai or NAY? (2025), Anatomy of a Majlis (2024), and MetaWhat? (2023–2024). Jack is currently a PhD candidate at King's College London and a board member of ICOM Qatar.
