Foam is excited to announce the upcoming Foam 3h exhibition GIGA by Jakob Ganslmeier and Ana Zibelnik. The artistic duo delves into the intricate landscape of radicalization within the online realm and through social media channels. Their comprehensive research project sheds light on the covert use of seemingly innocuous forms of media such as music, videos, and images as coded language for extremist ideologies. Ganslmeier and Zibelnik's exploration reveals how memes and various media formats, initially perceived as harmless, can inadvertently serve as conduits for disseminating extremist messages.

In recent years the global surge in right-wing extremism has become increasingly pronounced. The repercussions of this trend are evident in recent elections in The Netherlands, reflecting a growing polarization within our society. Ganslmeier and Zibelnik assert that social media serves as a significant catalyst for this surge, playing a pivotal role in fostering and disseminating extremist ideologies. The exhibition GIGA compellingly exposes the shadows concealed behind the seemingly 'innocent' facade of communication on social media platforms. It elucidates how the sharing of seemingly harmless images, initially perceived as pure entertainment, inadvertently sows the seeds for the germination of extreme right-wing ideologies.

The exhibition displays the video projects Redpilled, Public Enlightenment and the artist duo’s latest project Bereitschaft (‘Readiness’), which will be premiering at Foam 3h. Each video work offers an in-depth exploration into the perilous undercurrents of cynical humor and the allure and rationalization of violence that come with the profound influence wielded by iconic meme personas such as Wojak and GigaChad. The new video work, Bereitschaft (‘Readiness’), delves into contemporary TikTok trends that fervently advocate rigorous physical routines, simultaneously urging a return to an outdated ideal of masculinity. This narrative is characterized by a pronounced misogynistic undertone, coupled with imagery invoking notions associated with 'Aryan' ideology. The exhibition's title, GIGA, is borrowed from its prevalent usage across social media platforms, embodying greatness and commanding respect.

With the exhibition GIGA, Foam not only aims to illustrate the complexities around the imagery on our social media, but also looks to contribute to the overall media literacy of its users. By fostering awareness regarding the incessant influx of images encountered and shared daily, the exhibition aims to elucidate how this phenomenon gradually allows radical propaganda to permeate and shape our worldview.

Jakob Ganslmeier (1990, München) is a photographer and visual artist based in The Netherlands. He has a master’s degree in Photography & Society from the Koninklijke Academie van Beeldende Kunsten (The Hague). Ganslmeier’s focus lies on dissecting the visual representation of radical ideologies and providing an opposing narrative through an interactive artistic approach. Ana Zibelnik (1995, Ljubljana) is a visual artist and photographer with a master's degree in Film and Photographic Studies from the University of Leiden. Her work delves into ecological crises, climate fear and the social implications of these. In 2022, Ganselmeier and Zibelnik joined forces to form a duo.

Foam 3h is a project space in the museum where recently graduated artists and photographers are invited to present their first solo museum exhibition. For this space, Foam selects national and international artists whose portfolios the world should see. The artists are challenged to experiment, surprise and push the limits of photography.

Foam 3h: Jakob Ganslmeier & Ana Zibelnik – GIGA is made in collaboration with Paradox.