Delete and Replace – A Call for Justice in a World Where Truth is Often Silenced

In a world where truth is often bent to fit a narrative, and power can silence the voices of the innocent, Delete and Replace stands as an artwork that forces us to confront uncomfortable realities. This piece explores the moral dilemma we all face when confronted with a situation that challenges our integrity, asking a profound question: When it is necessary to tell the truth, should we?

The concept of this artwork emerged from personal experience, shaped by toxic work environments and high-profile cases where lives, reputations, and livelihoods were destroyed by those in power. When powerful individuals or organizations decide to protect their reputation at all costs, the truth becomes a casualty. This dynamic is not a distant concept; it is a reality that many innocent individuals face, often without the means to fight back.

The Question of Integrity: When Does the Truth Matter?

One of the key themes of Delete and Replace is the difficult question of when it’s acceptable to compromise integrity for self-gain. I was recently asked to rate 2 separate statements on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 meaning strong disagreement and 10 meaning full agreement. One of the statements that stood out to me was: "It is okay to bend the rules a bit if it enables you to get ahead." This statement left me feeling uneasy, and I scored it a 0 or 1, in alignment with my own moral values.

But as I reflected on it further, I realised that others might disagree with me. For some, bending the rules could be seen as a necessary means to an end, and that’s where the problem lies. When faced with situations where integrity is compromised for personal or organisational gain, we must ask ourselves: Is it acceptable to sacrifice truth for gain

The Power of Silence and the Scapegoat

Delete and Replace examines the harmful consequences that arise when the truth is suppressed, and innocent people are made to bear the weight of lies. The inspiration for this work comes from the disturbing reality that, far too often, innocent individuals become scapegoats, unfairly blamed to protect the reputation of a more powerful figures or organisations.

Imagine a scenario where an innocent person is wrongfully imprisoned because a powerful individual or organization has the resources and influence to fabricate evidence. These innocent victims are thrust into a battle they didn’t ask for and are left without the means to fight back. They lose their job, their support system, and their dignity. Meanwhile, those with power have the ability to keep the truth hidden, fearing the repercussions of revealing it.

A World Without Integrity

What does this world look like when integrity is traded for convenience? We are living in a society where telling the truth has become a risky endeavour. The fear of retaliation or losing everything often outweighs the desire to do what is right. This climate of fear fosters an environment where manipulation and deceit flourish, and those who dare to challenge the status quo are often silenced.

Trial by media has become a common practice, where misinformation spreads like wildfire through social media and other outlets. This "trial" is often more about selling a sensational story than seeking the truth. The unfortunate consequence is that real lives are destroyed, and the truth is obscured, often beyond repair.

The Cost of Truth-Telling

For those who refuse to compromise their integrity, the consequences can be severe. Truth seekers may face harassment, bullying, blackmail, and even isolation. The pressure to remain silent is immense, and in many cases, those who speak out find themselves erased from the narrative—deleted and replaced.

The question remains: When it is necessary to tell the truth and should we? The answer lies in our collective responsibility to uphold integrity, even when it’s difficult. It’s our duty to seek the truth and make decisions based on facts, rather than rumours and fabricated evidence. If we want to maintain a fair and just world, we must reject the idea that bending the rules is acceptable, especially when it comes at the expense of innocent lives.

Delete and Replace: A Cry for Justice

Delete and Replace is not just an artwork—it’s a call to action. It is a voice for all those whose voices have been silenced, whether by external forces or their own fear. This piece screams for vindication and justice, standing in solidarity with those who have been wronged by powerful systems and individuals.

My hope for the future is that more people will find the courage to speak up and challenge the injustices they encounter daily. Even when it feels safer to stay silent, we must all strive to find our voice and use it for good. When we do, we become agents of change, standing up for truth in a world that often tries to bury it.

View and purchase Delete & Replace

In a society where the powerful often bend the rules, Delete and Replace serves as a reminder that integrity is not optional—it’s essential. Only when we uphold truth and justice will we begin to dismantle the systems that allow manipulation and exploitation to flourish. So I ask you: When it is necessary to tell the truth, should we? The time to stand up is now.