Arles photo festival confronts manipulated images and celebrates African artists

The world's largest photography festival, held in Arles, is grappling with issues of authenticity this year, according to the Financial Times. The event features works that deliberately confuse viewers, from manipulated historical portraits to images of Swiss UFOs.

"Images that make you look twice, from doctored historical portraits to Swiss UFOs, are highlights of an event where artists of African heritage shine."

The festival's programming reflects a growing unease about photographic veracity in an era of deepfakes and AI-generated imagery, the outlet noted.

"Anxieties about truth ring loud" at the gathering, the Financial Times reported. This thematic emphasis arrives as the medium faces unprecedented questions about its reliability.

Alongside the trickery, the festival also elevates photographers of African descent, marking a significant shift in representation. According to the Financial Times, these artists are among the standout contributors this year.