​Join a masterclass led by Martyna Marciniak, where you will deep dive into her artistic research practice, and learn how to read synthetic images — track patterns — and thus sharpen visual literacy.

​REFRESH 2026 is a 4-day festival featuring keynotes, masterclasses and an exhibition running until April 12, bringing together acclaimed designers, artists, and researchers from Switzerland and the US to envision possible futures and new fields of action for design and the arts.

​Discover all REFRESH Festival events:
REFRESH Luma Calendar - Register here for all Festival events
REFRESH Festival Overview - Read more about the artists and artwork

​Program

​1:30pm // Doors Open

​2pm // Anatomy of Non-Fact: The Boardgame
Masterclass by Martyna Marciniak

​As consumers of visual media we interact with each image on our feeds for less than 3 seconds, on average. In that short duration we are unable to engage with the images critically, to counter their affective impact.

​While post-truth framing of visual evidence encourages dismissal of the ‘fake’ image, while we’re waiting for the authorities of truth to define categories of visual fact, and while the contours of trustworthiness are constantly shifting, this workshop shows that there is a value in staying with the fake.

​Using the Anatomy Of Non Fact research archive the participants of this workshop will get a hands-on opportunity to find patterns among seemingly disconnected images and track the changes in the benchmarks of the visual reality, as well as the technical and cultural evolution of synthetic images.

​During the 1,5-2 hours session the participants will learn how to engage with the alternative, slower modes of seeing, to name different types and qualities of synthetic and evidentiary images and to find empowerment in visual literacy.

​3:30pm // Doors Close

​Speakers

​Martyna Marciniak, Artist, Researcher and 3D Designer

​About REFRESH 2026

​REFRESH 2026 is a partnership between the Department of Design and the Immersive Arts Space of the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK), and Swissnex in San Francisco.

​The festival is an initiative of the Department of Design and the Immersive Arts Space of the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK), and is traveling to the US for the first time.

​This 7th edition of REFRESH focuses on “Algorithmic Entanglements”, reflecting the impact of digital technologies on society and the planetary well-being. The line up highlights the crucial role of creative practitioners and thinkers engaging critically and responsibly with digital transformation.

​Identity / Motion Design: Abhash Mittal. © ZHdK

​About Swissnex in San Francisco

​Swissnex in San Francisco is an initiative of the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). Our vision at Swissnex in San Francisco is to connect tomorrow by empowering the next generation of innovators to collaborate and create futures where the planet and society thrive.

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