Fact Check

Does This Photo Really Show a 'Stairway to Softness' Art Installation?

As AI-generated content becomes an inextricable part of social media, more and more doubts arise over the veracity of images published online.

Published May 26, 2023

 (Instagram user @ulises.ai)
Image Via Instagram user @ulises.ai
Claim:
Images from May 2023 authentically showed an art installation titled "Stairway to Softness."

In May 2023, an image went viral, allegedly depicting a breathtaking art installation titled "Stairway to Softness." Many art-oriented accounts and social media users reposted it, suggesting the veracity of the project.

The image was originally posted on @ulises.ai Instagram profile. 

But if you look closely at the people in the images, it's evident the images were generated by artificial intelligence (AI), as their faces look nothing like those of real humans. Few accounts that shared the "Stairway to Softness" pictures mentioned its AI-nature, but many users suggested it in the comments. 

Another image included in the original post also revealed the tell-tale AI sign of huge disproportions in bodies, as you can see in the picture below.

It's worth mentioning that Ulises Design Berlin-based studio, known for the use of AI in its projects, has previously posted similar pictures on its social media accounts and website.Â