We've seen this image before, when Armin Heinrich swindled a handful of rich folks into shilling out $999.99 for the non-functioning, useless I Am Rich iPhone app. The app was taken down by iTunes, but not before Heinrich made a few bucks for himself off of it.
Now the I Am Rich app has been reborn, as a framed print sold in a gallery in Hamburg, Germany. According to Valleywag, Hamburg is a port city that is home to more millionaires per capita than any other city in Germany. One of the purchasers of the original I Am Rich iPhone app lived in Hamburg. Wonder if he'll bite at this hoax too.
Viral Hoaxes as Art
Gallery Sells Prints of $999.99 iPhone App
Trend Themes
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Viral Hoaxes — Creating viral hoaxes to generate buzz and interest among consumers.
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Art as Commentary — Using art as a medium to comment on societal issues and provoke discussion.
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Reimaging Useless Products — Transforming useless or obsolete products into novelty art pieces with monetary value.
Industry Implications
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Art — Art industry could look into incorporating technology and pop culture elements into their works.
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Technology — Technology industry could explore creating more tongue-in-cheek products that generate buzz through viral hoaxes.
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Marketing — Marketing industry could utilize viral hoaxes to create buzz and generate interest around products or companies.