Coming Soon
Be Fake
An Artificial Intelligence Video Art
by Oriel Pe’er & Rony Chokron
Starring Nona Chalant
About
The Project
Be Fake is an experimental video art by filmmaker Oriel Pe’er and drag artist Ronny Chokron, also known as Nona Chalant. The video art explores the subject of identity through the lenses of drag artistry and artificial intelligence. Set in a fast-paced world where individual realities diverge and the line between truth and fiction blurs, the video art questions the nature of authenticity in an era of fake news and AI-driven deception.
"In their Video Work, Oriel Pe'er And Ronny Chokron Deal Specifically With Fluidity And The Inseparable Connection In The Contemporary World Between Genders And Between Human And Machine"
— Portfolio Magazine
What is
Reality?
Philosophical spoken-word poetry serves as the narrative backbone, aiming to deconstruct social taboos surrounding fake culture and the concept of real vs. fake. Visually, the project pushes boundaries by using AI to create impossible looks for Nona Chalant, such as a hairstyle made of crystals and grass-embroidered clothing.
Creative Process
The creative process, spanning two months, became a collaboration with AI itself, often leading the artists in unexpected directions and requiring them to relinquish control over the final product. The creators have been working in constant dialogue with various creative AI platforms, which have shaped and dictated the style and direction of the production and the style of filming.
The AI
Universe
The project takes the form of a psychedelic meditation that begins with raw vulnerability and progresses through various drag transformations. Using AI, the creators generate multiple versions of Nona from different dimensions, showcasing the character's infinite potential and multifaceted nature.
The Future
As a project bridging graphic design, animation, and cutting-edge AI technology, Be Fake represents a foray into a new realm of artistic creation. The creators acknowledge that the rapid advancement of AI might soon make this work appear rudimentary in comparison to future possibilities.
The project aims to inspire viewers, challenge stigmas, and engage those who might be hesitant about AI-assisted art, encouraging reflection on the nature of truth, identity, and creativity in our evolving digital landscape.
Art Gallery
Exhibition
The project was created as a part of the group exhibition, “Fabric, Sweat and Tears” and is on view until September at the Gordon-London House, the municipal art gallery in Rishon Lezion.
The project will be available for streaming in Summer 2024
Creative Team
Oriel is a multi-disciplinary artist and creative producer. His work has garnered recognition from notable publications such as The Guardian, Pitchfork, Time, Nylon, Billboard, and The Washington Post.
Over the past 16 years, he has been creating films in New York City and beyond with a wide range of companies and artists through his production company, The Llama Studio.
Oriel is currently in post-production for his feature documentary "A Deeper Love" about the iconic Rupaul's Drag Race contestent and trans performer, Miss Peppermint.
Oriel Pe’er
Producer, Director
Rony Chokron
Drag Artist, Nona Chalant
Nona Chalant, the drag persona of artist Rony Chokron, has been featured in Italian Vogue, Elle magazine, L'Officiel, Out magazine, and more. She is known for her spoken word performances, which often tackle taboo subjects with humor and insight.
Nona has worked with a wide range organizations, tourism boards, nightclubs as well as children's story hours. Through her persona, Rony explores identities, fashion, and creativity in bold and colorful ways. A vibrant presence in the drag and performance art scene, Nona is described by Chokron as an "entity that lives within me, that needs to express itself."
