Imaginary depiction of responses to Donald Trump's contentious ballroom event in the White House in 2028, as visualized by advanced AI technology.
In 2023, artist Ari Kuschnir unveiled his video work, "MAGA Ballroom 2028". This thought-provoking piece aims to delve into themes of political culture and identity, offering a glimpse into a future shaped by the MAGA movement.
The video presents a dystopian scenario, with MAGA supporters grappling with hardships such as queuing outside food banks, dealing with rising fuel prices, and sitting outside flooded homes. A poignant moment occurs when a supporter tosses the infamous red hat into a burning bin, symbolising the dissolution of a once-iconic symbol.
The video also portrays violent protests at the White House, with MAGA supporters clashing with police, breaching the grounds, starting fires, and throwing a Molotov cocktail through the ballroom's windows. These scenes depict a turbulent period, culminating in the White House's grand ballroom, a $200 million project funded by US President Donald Trump and other undisclosed private donors.
In the video, Trump is seen on the roof of the White House briefing room, surveying the site of the incoming ballroom. Inside, he is applauded in the ballroom, with hamburgers and profiteroles on the tables. Notable figures such as vice president JD Vance, advisor Stephen Miller, and defense secretary Pete Hegseth are also depicted dining in the ballroom.
The video concludes with a flash-forward to 100 years in the future, where a female museum curator discusses the protests as marking "the end of the first phase of democracy as laid out by the founding fathers and the beginning of the healing."
Interestingly, "MAGA Ballroom 2028" was created using artificial intelligence (AI), adding another layer of intrigue to the artwork.
The video has sparked a range of reactions. While some have criticised its content, others have praised it as "powerful" and "brilliantly done". A video imagining the potential reaction of citizens to the ballroom opening has gone viral on Twitter/X, further fuelling the debate.
However, the MAGA movement has faced criticism elsewhere. Trump's claim about being the "only president" to donate his salary has been ridiculed, and the owner of a Trump-themed restaurant is facing possible deportation by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
As "MAGA Ballroom 2028" continues to stir conversations, it serves as a reminder of the complexities and controversies surrounding the MAGA movement, and the power of art to provoke thought and reflection.
