Entropa: the great EU art hoax

The deputy Czech prime minister initially claimed Cerny's mosaic was the perfect illustration of the motto for his country's EU presidency: 'A Europe without barriers' Photograph: Sebastien Pirlet/Reuters

Cerny originally stated that he curated the piece from the work of 27 EU artists. He now admits that he made up the names of the artists credited and actually created the installation with friends Photograph: Virginia Mayo/AP

Cerny represented Romania with this Dracula theme park Photograph: Dominique Faget/AFP

Italy's instantly recognisable silhouette forms a pitch for a football match between the inhabitants of the north and south of the country Photograph: Dominique Faget/AFP/Getty Images

A representation of Spain Photograph: Dominique Faget/AFP/Getty Images

Luxembourg is made from gold and dominated by a 'for sale' sign Photograph: Dominique Faget/AFP/Getty Images

The map of Poland features a group of Catholic priests raising the rainbow flag Photograph: Dominique Faget/AFP/Getty Images

Some countries fared worse than others. Britain's absence from the installation might be seen as a blessing in the context of Bulgaria's representation as the floor of a urinal Photograph: Dominique Faget/AFP/Getty Images

Denmark's Lego model is of a far more light-hearted nature Photograph: Dominique Faget/AFP/Getty Images

Holland has been reclaimed by the sea, with only the tips of minarets to remind us of its existence Photograph: Benoit Doppagne/EPA

The installation ridicules Germany's autobahns. Following the revelation that the work was a hoax, commissioners became concerned that the pattern was intended to echo the swastika. It seems more likely that the roads simply follow the country's borders Photograph: Dominique Faget/AFP/Getty Images

France is obscured by a banner daubed with the word 'Strike!' Photograph: Dominique Faget/AFP