Cristina de Middel, a Spanish photographer renowned for her international career, addresses the intricate relationship between documentary photography and fiction in her work. Having served as the president of the prestigious Magnum Photos agency until last year, she underscores the importance of staging in depicting real events while simultaneously critiquing the misleading nature of artificial or synthetic images produced by AI technologies. Her perspective highlights the essential nature of traditional photography as a means of 'writing with light,' contrasting it with the synthetic constructs generated by Artificial Intelligence.

The conversation points to her recent works, which explore diverse themes ranging from a failed lunar mission in Zambia to the depiction of consumers of prostitution in her project titled "Gentleman's Club.” In these projects, she navigates the complexities of human experiences, showcasing how fiction can coexist with reality. Her art challenges viewers to reconsider their perceptions of truth and representation in photography, especially in an era where AI-generated images are becoming increasingly prevalent.

In her upcoming exhibition titled "Sueños y culpas" (Dreams and Guilt), de Middel seeks to further explore these themes, prompting discussion on the ethical implications of photography and the role of technology. Her focus on genuine visual storytelling reveals a commitment to maintaining authenticity in a world where the line between real and synthetic is increasingly blurred, calling for a deeper appreciation of the craft of photography amidst the rise of digital manipulations.