"By Word of Mouth"
Christoph Alesi’s "By Word of Mouth" vividly illustrates the dynamics and distortions of stories passed from one person to another. The composition is a collection of fragmented and overlapping sensory impressions, symbolizing how narratives become embellished and lose their authenticity with each retelling.
Alesi depicts a face constructed from disjointed and unrelated elements, illustrating how a story transmitted through multiple channels increasingly diverges from the truth. The central motif of an ear emphasizes the role of listening in the context of hearsay, underscoring how information is received, altered, and disseminated.
The artwork acts almost as a mirror—a reflection of society’s tendency to accept and spread information without verifying its authenticity. It critiques this inclination, urging viewers to consider their responsibility when passing on stories or information.
“By Word of Mouth” raises essential questions about the reliability of narratives, emphasizing how human tendencies toward sensationalism and embellishment blur the lines of truth. It serves as a critical reflection on the fragility of authenticity in a world driven by rapid communication and unverified storytelling.
