Being a largely uncensored source of information, the Internet has the potential to (and does) contain countless unproven facts. Yet, as the Internet’s popularity as an information source steadily grows, the control over fact weakens. When paired with easily accessed computer-based editing programs, the role of visual imagery as proof becomes less and less reliable, and may potentially result in the decay of information at the hands of the fantastic.

“Bronwyn Smith’s series of pencil drawings Virtually Maybe explores the naive acceptance and cynical skepticism of truth in today’s digital culture. The drawings, arranged on the wall not unlike spam windows that pop up unexpectedly on a computer screen, are carefully sketched copies of images derived from suspect Internet sites. Smith’s study of the Internet images, carefully depicted to the pixel, suggests a paradox. The irony being that a fresh perspective and questioning of sophisticated computer communication can be obtained via the traditional technique and physical act of cross hatching in pencil. Indeed the simplicity and candidness of the drawings suggests a sincere search or testing of truth among a seductive bombardment of glowing pixels that claim extraordinary realities.”

• Bruce E. Phillips, accompanying text for Draw’n’