Thirteenth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices

Abstract

This paper documents the research methodologies and subsequent multifaceted outcomes of an in-depth visual study of lies and truth. Using graphic design as medium the fundamental aim of this project was to contribute to the visual understanding of society’s propensity to lie and equally its inability to accurately detect deceit in others. The Central Messages this project aimed to communicate, were: i) We all lie: It is fundamentally ingrained in our nature and a necessary part of our society’s structure. ii) We are all quick to judge: no matter how much we lie ourselves, there is a social paradox that forces us to negatively label those who are deemed liars. This project was structured into two imbricating layers. Foremost, an online, anonymous confessional platform and secondly, the creation of an art book – The Big Book of Bullshit; content for which was predominantly derived from the aforementioned website. Typographic, illustrative and photographic artefacts, were created as a result, all inspired by these confessions of deception. With the intention of persuading or manipulating the viewer into making decisions pertaining to the artwork’s legitimacy; thus, allowing the viewer to investigate their own preconceived notions of deception and forcing a dialogue of questioning and examination.