Jacek Szopik

"The most popular version of the Greek myth of Narcissus says that the goddess Nemesis decided to punish the youth for his indifference and selfishness. Narcissus saw his own face in the reflection of the water and fell in love. It was not a happy love, as the young man, despite constantly leaning over, could not reach his own face. He refused food and drink. The whole world became indifferent to him. In one version, he died of longing. He was buried, and on his grave grew a flower with a golden center surrounded by white petals, which was named narcissus."This series of photographs is an attempt to define the contemporary Narcissus and an answer to the question of whether he has more in common with his mythical prototype, or if he is closer to the personality disorders defined by psychiatry. What does the contemporary Narcissus long for? What is hidden behind the statuesque mask of indifference and self-importance that he wears every day? One cannot find a clear answer in the series of photos; instead, a multitude of interpretations is left for the viewer, allowing everyone to reconstruct their own myth of Narcissus independently.