Art installation in Prague shows how fake news clouds our judgement

“Visibility” detects when there is activity on sensationalist websites

Fake news and misinformation have the power to cause tremendous damage. This is especially true in our day and age, with people spreading false information about COVID, vaccines, and politics. While fake news has been difficult to capture and report, intelligent algorithms are now making it easier to do so. 

Shedding a light on the dangers of misinformation, the City of Prague unveiled an installation by Jakub Nepraš on 6 January. Titled “Visibility”, the work is part of the capital’s "Art for the City" project, supporting contemporary art in public spaces.

The installation resembles a lamp and illustrates how much false information we are constantly surrounded by. Nepraš’ lamp receives alerts when there is new activity on sensationalist websites. Once this happens, it begins to flicker and form a storm. Thus, it clouds the visibility in the surrounding area and leaves people in darkness. 

Curator at the Prague City Gallery, Marie Foltýnová, commented on the installation, noting that it reveals the effects fake news have on our minds and behaviours; that is, it clouds our judgement as we succumb to an influx of false, unverified, and manipulative information. 

A key location 

According to the project’s website, the location of Nepraš’ installation has been carefully selected. Hanging outside the Municipal Library, “Visibility” is located close to the Prague City Hall and other important social and cultural institutions. In other words, the artwork hangs where heaps of archived information clash with current affairs. 

Although one can view the installation at any time during the day, the Art for the City project recommends seeing it when it is dark. 

“Visibility” will remain outside the Municipal Library for the entire year until 15 December 2022.