The Fake For Real Exhibition - A Birdseye View

Summary

The 'Fake for Real' exhibition at the House of European History in Brussels explores the history of forgery and falsification, spanning from antiquity to the modern era. Curated by Ian Now Urbanek and Simina Badika, the exhibition highlights the societal impacts of forgeries in religion, politics, art, and science. Through six sections, visitors journey through key historical moments, discovering how fakes shaped public memory, fueled conspiracy theories, and even saved lives during WWII. With multimedia elements and interactive features, the exhibition aims to equip audiences with tools to critically engage with the era of misinformation and post-truth.

Takeaways

• 😀 The exhibition 'Fake for Real' at the House of European History explores the long history of forgeries and falsifications across European history.
• 😀 Curators Ian Now Urbanek and Simina Badika guide visitors through the exhibition, highlighting the historical context and motivations behind famous forgeries.
• 😀 The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the exhibition's opening and affected its visitor numbers, leading to the creation of a virtual guided tour.
• 😀 The exhibition includes six main sections that span different historical periods, each focusing on the forgeries that shaped that era.
• 😀 The first section, 'Ruling and Praying', focuses on forgeries related to religion and power in antiquity and medieval times, including the famous 'Donation of Constantine'.
• 😀 The second section, 'Understanding the World', explores falsified maps, travel accounts, and scientific forgeries from the Renaissance and the Enlightenment.
• 😀 The exhibition discusses the rise of printing presses, debates about censorship, and the creation of patriotic forgeries during the era of nation-building.
• 😀 Another section addresses the role of forgeries in World War II, where forged documents were used to save lives, and explores ethical issues related to wartime deception.
• 😀 The 'Fame and Fortune' section reveals the world of art forgery, counterfeit money, and the desire to create fake brands for profit.
• 😀 The exhibition concludes by focusing on the modern era, questioning if we truly live in a 'post-truth' world and providing tools to identify and combat misinformation and disinformation.
• 😀 Throughout the exhibition, the curators emphasize that each era faked what it valued most, showing the historical persistence of forgery and its implications for society.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the exhibition 'Fake for Real'?

The main focus of the exhibition is the history of forgeries and falsifications throughout Europe. It explores how fakes have been created, their motivations, impacts, and how they were exposed, with a particular emphasis on how each era faked what it valued most.

How was the exhibition affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?

The exhibition was originally set to open in June 2020 but faced delays due to the pandemic. It only opened in October after the installation was completed. However, it had to close again due to lockdowns, and the museum could only reach a small percentage of the expected audience because of protective measures.

What is the significance of forgeries in European history, according to the exhibition?

Forgeries have been significant throughout European history, often reflecting the values of the time. They were used for political, religious, and social purposes, and the exhibition shows how forgeries flourished in different historical contexts, with a focus on their historical, cultural, and societal impacts.

What does the exhibition reveal about the relationship between forgeries and trust in society?

The exhibition highlights that forgeries are deeply connected to society's trust and credibility, which are valuable currencies in any era. It also suggests that we live in an 'era of post-truth,' where misinformation and manipulation of truth are increasingly common.

How does the exhibition approach the subject of conspiracy theories?

The exhibition delves into conspiracy theories by examining their origins, particularly through examples like the 'Protocols of the Elders of Zion.' It questions why these theories persist despite clear evidence disproving them and how they continue to deceive and mislead people.

What are 'patriotic forgeries' and how are they relevant to the exhibition?

Patriotic forgeries refer to documents and artifacts that were forged to support nationalistic goals, particularly during the era of nation-building. The exhibition explores these forgeries as a tool used to unite or divide nations, reflecting the political climate of the time.

What is the historical importance of 'The Donation of Constantine' in the exhibition?

The 'Donation of Constantine' is a key document in European history featured in the exhibition. It was a forged document used to legitimize papal authority over lands that were not actually granted to the Pope. This document played a significant role in medieval politics and religious power struggles.

How does the exhibition link forgeries to the development of science and technology?

The exhibition shows how the rise of science in the 19th century led to an increase in scientific forgeries. It explores how forged scientific documents were used to manipulate knowledge, particularly in an era of growing scientific prestige and the dissemination of information.

What role did forgeries play during World War II, as highlighted in the exhibition?

During World War II, forgeries played a crucial role in saving lives. The exhibition discusses how forged documents were used to protect people from the Nazis. It also contrasts legitimate deception used in warfare with the unethical methods of deceit employed during the war.

What tools does the exhibition offer to help visitors deal with misinformation and disinformation today?

The exhibition provides visitors with tools to identify, understand, and effectively deal with misinformation and disinformation. This is particularly relevant in today's 'post-truth' era, where distinguishing fact from fiction is increasingly challenging.