Archive51

"Archive 51" is a unique online exhibition that marries the world of film photography with advanced AI image generation technology. It consists of 51 AI-generated images, each minted as an Ethereum-based NFT, that depict a series of 1980s rocket launches and experiments in the Nevada desert. The catch? These events never occurred.

The purpose of Archive 51 is to question the accuracy of historical evidence, specifically scanned film photographs. AI image generators often produce stylized and artistically inspired images, which can feature highly detailed, overly realistic renderings or even fantastical creations. Conversely, they can also create images that emulate the style of historically significant artists. However, what if these image generators were used to create a photographic style that never existed, or to produce realistically imperfect photographs that appear authentic due to their flaws?

Archive 51 is an attempt to create such a genre of artistic historical misinformation.