Matías Sauter Morera Makes History with AI-Generated Photograph at Getty Museum
In a groundbreaking move for the art world, Queer Costa Rican photographer Matías Sauter Morera has become the first artist to sell an AI-generated photograph to the world-renowned Getty Museum. His work, Cristian en el Amor de Calle (2024), celebrates the hidden lives of pegamachos—queer cowboys from the Guanacaste Coast of Costa Rica. The photograph is not just a piece of art; it’s a powerful statement on LGBTQ+ representation and the use of artificial intelligence in creative mediums.
The Pegamachos Culture: A Hidden History
The pegamachos culture is deeply rooted in 1970s Costa Rica, where gay men in rural areas would dress up as cowboys to express their sexuality discreetly. These individuals lived a life of hidden romance, adopting a lifestyle that required them to remain anonymous to avoid social stigma and potential legal repercussions. Morera’s use of AI in his photography serves a dual purpose: it protects the identities of real pegamachos and gives voice to their invisible history.
Morera’s artistic vision is a blend of historical homage and modern innovation. The photograph Cristian en el Amor de Calle captures two Latino men in a cafe or bar, their intense stare piercing through the viewer. The choice of their clothing—flashy blue leather jackets with intricate silver embroidery—reflects the vibrant and rebellious spirit of pegamachos during their heyday.
Breaking Barriers with AI
Artificial intelligence has transformed various creative fields, and Morera exemplifies its potential. By using AI, he created a realistic yet fictional narrative that honors the pegamachos without placing their real counterparts at risk. Morera combined multiple AI models and post-processing in Photoshop to craft these images, a process that took months of meticulous work.
