Unmasking Deception: The Big Book of Bullshit

Lisa Winstanley's Award-Winning Exploration of Truth, Trust, and Lies

The inspiration for this project stems from the ubiquity of dishonesty in our society. Winstanley aims to contribute to the understanding of the visual relationship between lies and truth, fostering a dialogue of questioning and examination. The book is divided into three juxtaposed chapters: The Truth, The Trust, and The Lies, each offering a unique perspective on the psychology of deception.

"The Big Book of Bullshit" stands out for its unique properties. The Truth chapter is an illustrated essay on the psychology of deception. The Trust chapter is a visual investigation of the notion and fragility of trust, exploring experimental mediums and malleable, tensile materials. The Lies chapter is an illustrated gallery of bullshit, all derived from anonymous confessions of deception.

The book's design is a testament to Winstanley's attention to detail. The screen-printed neon book cover with a white matt finish, high-quality textured paper, and quality binding for the inner pages make it a visual delight. The outer case is blind embossed with the word 'truth', adding a touch of irony to the design.

The project, which started in 2014 in Kuwait and completed in 2017 in the UK, faced numerous creative challenges. These included ensuring the anonymity of confessions of deceit and finding suppliers that could print using glow in the dark ink. A revised second edition was designed and produced in Singapore in 2019.

Winstanley's research underscores the paradox of lying. Despite being fundamentally ingrained in our nature and a necessary part of our societies structure, we are quick to judge those deemed liars. The book aims to create a dialogue around this paradox, invoking curiosity and creating conversation.

"The Big Book of Bullshit" was awarded Silver in A' Print and Published Media Design Award in 2020. This prestigious award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. Winstanley's book, with its strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, certainly fits the bill.