Only Have Faith

Adél Koleszár’s Only Have Faith explores the violence that has plagued Mexico over the past two decades, contextualizing it within the broader role of photography in representing and perpetuating terror. The so-called war on drugs, initiated in 2008 and funded by the U.S., destabilizes communities to control resources, migration, and territories, leaving the population vulnerable. Mainstream media sensationalized violence for profit, turning photojournalism into a competitive industry, commodifying tragedy. Adél’s work stands apart by focusing on landscapes, resilient individuals, and a stylistic evolution. She juxtaposes neglected infrastructure with nature’s bounty, capturing the human cost through testimonies rather than graphic imagery. Adél’s immersion in Mexico’s culture transformed her approach, allowing her to delve deeply into the complexities of violence, reshaping her perspective. Her project, created in Veracruz, serves as a poignant reflection on the far-reaching effects of systemic exploitation under capitalism.