How Has Illustration Shaped our Perceptions of Truth?

3 Definitions of Truth:

Correspondence Theory of Truth: “Truth is a statement corresponding to the way the world really is.”

“The Emperors New Clothes”, Hans Christian Anderson tale that explores truth as an unwillingness of the general population to go against popular opinion. Whether said opinion is true or not. 

“I define truth here not as factual accuracy but as fidelity to both intent & embodiment. A design is true if it fulfils its requirements judiciously, & yet surprises & delights its intended audience.” Matt Gemmell article. 

How Has Illustration Shaped our Perceptions of Truth?

Illustration was originally a method through which we could record and observe reality. Beginning with cave paintings produced thousands of years ago, we used it to record something one would consider to be true. However with time, it also became evident that illustration could also depict fiction or imagination. This disparity creates a blurred line between what we perceive to be real and what we don’t. As someone could look at an illustration and interpret it as truth when in fact it’s not. This is something that is prevalent in propaganda posters used during WW2. Supposedly portraying truth but in fact, a lot of the time leaning more toward ideal, which is not necessarily truth.