DERBY.- A new exhibition in QUAD, Derby investigates belief in online media and how this communication network can be easily manipulated, giving rise to new ideas. Joey Holder is a Nottingham and London-based, internationally recognised, visual artist.

Artist Joey Holder’s new exhibition Adcredo: The Deep Belief Network investigates the construction of belief in online networks, examining the rise of unjust ideologies and fantasies, and how they are capable of affecting our worldview. The advent of digital media has shown that the world is made up of a mass of circulating, disjointed and contradictory information. This multi-dimensional communications network can be easily manipulated by online groups and individuals, which can give rise to new narratives and ideologies. Using research from investigative journalism and social psychology the work takes the form of a speculative association, a corporation where ideologies are disseminated to manipulate people. Conspiracy theory, sci-fact and sci-fi, corporate and religious belief systems are woven together in this multi-dimensional work.

Joey Holder added “As we have seen within recent political upheaval in the last two years, popular opinion and attitudes may not be grounded in certain ‘truths’ but based upon the ‘success’ of ideas and beliefs. This is reflected in the logic of ‘Memetics’, where units of information can be replicated across cultural networks. Adcredo is based around the idea of ‘Synchromysticism’ - the significance of meaningful coincidences with mystical connotation that might emerge through the collective psyche into consensus reality.”

dcredo: The Deep Belief Network is on view in QUAD Gallery from 14th July to 21st October and is free to visit. The exhibitions launch takes place in QUAD on Friday 13th July, from 6:30pm. The exhibition is produced in partnership with QUAD and Bloc Projects in Sheffield.

An on-going discussion group based at QUAD, titled ‘What Are Deep Belief Networks? led by Andrew Wilson, Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Derby, in discussion with Joey Holder. The group explored a range of themes and ideas relating to myths, fantasies and how we live and operate on-line. The next What Are Deep Belief Networks? session takes place in QUAD on Wednesday 25th July at 7:00pm, the session is free and open to anyone but pre-booking is essential through QUAD Box Office on 01332 290606.