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THE Getty Museum recently acquired its first photo generated by artificial intelligence, an intriguing work by Matias Sauter Morera, a queer photographer from Costa Rica. Entitled « Cristian en el Amor de Calle », this image is part of a series that explores the little-known story of the « pegamachos », the cowboys of the Guanacaste coast who had secret relationships with young gay men in the 1970s. This acquisition highlights a hidden side of the story queer of the region.
The Getty Museum, recognized for its prestigious art collections, recently expanded its holdings by integrating its first photograph generated by artificial intelligence. The work in question, entitled « Cristian in the Calle’s Love » and shot by Costa Rican photographer Matias Sauter Morera, delves into history queer unknown to pegamachos, cowboys from the coast of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. This new acquisition highlights an era where same-sex identity and relationships were hidden but very much present, using digital art to secure the anonymity of subjects while capturing the aesthetic of the 1970s.
Innovative Photography
Photography « Cristian in the Calle’s Love » ranks among contemporary artistic innovations thanks to its use of artificial intelligence. This is a significant advance in the field of art, as it is the first work of this kind to be incorporated into the renowned collections of the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. This work stands out for its ability to combine cutting-edge technology and artistic exploration of marginalized historical narratives.
The Pegamachos: A Hidden Queer History
The work of Matias Sauter Morera is deeply rooted in the history of pegamachos, cowboys from the Guanacaste region. These figures, although little known outside Costa Rica, maintained secret relationships with young gay men. Through his work, Morera depicts a romanticized version of the 1970s, where these cowboys could have lived their sexual orientation openly despite the prejudices of the time.
The Contribution of AI to Preserve Anonymity
Morera’s photograph features two young Latino men, sitting together in a cafe or bar, clad in blue leather jackets and gold accessories, and looking intently toward the camera. Artificial intelligence was used not only to create the image but also to guarantee the security and anonymity of the figures represented. This element is crucial, because it reflects the realities of a time when revealing one’s identity could have serious consequences.
An Aesthetic Inspired by the 1970s
Morera’s aesthetic choice echoes the visual brilliance of the 1970s, transporting viewers into a fantasy recreation of the past. The jackets and accessories used are emblematic of this era, and give the image an authenticity that goes beyond the simple graphic representation. This visual style allows audiences to immerse themselves in an era while navigating through the complex layers of culture and identity queer.
Impact and Cultural Resonance
The integration of this work into Getty Museum marks a turning point in the recognition and highlighting of stories queer in the art world. This highlights the importance of documenting and celebrating stories often relegated to the shadows, while providing an international platform to discuss the role of technology in the preservation and visual storytelling of social and identity narratives.
