HOAX is a story of self-delusion, one we are all a witness to. This is a country where European political standards are considered radical. The mere idea of a separation of church and state creates unrest and turmoil. The Catholic church is a privileged institution – it does not pay taxes, has widespread influence and considerable wealth. This is a country where 87% of the population are baptized Catholics but their faith is rather selective and syncretic – contrary to Christian teachings, some believe in reincarnation and destiny. Here, a million people line up to pray the rosary together and members of the clergy look like they have committed all seven deadly sins.
Not all members of the society – women, racial and sexual minorities – are considered full citizens. And homosexuality is still treated as a disease by some.
Forests resemble wild garbage dumps. The mass destruction of trees and the coal-based power industry fill our lungs with smog. The use of renewable energy is practically non-existent while additional coal power plants are planned to be built.
Propaganda is spread by the public media. The internet makes manipulation easier; the network has become another convenient channel for the distribution f lies. The truth has become outdated and has been rendered invalid a long time ago. It is no longer necessary if one can effectively play on people’s emotions. The present is a world of post-truths and fake news, where it is hard to find oneself but easy to lose, the already faint, sense of security and certainty in life. The stream of information flowing from media channels differs so drastically that we must ask ourselves again, each and every day, ‘where lies the truth’?
Project HOAX contains of direct shots and collages taken by Agnieszka Sejud in Poland between 2016 and 2019.