Altered representations
A comparative study examining how culture shapes the visual language of posters.
Sector
Visual Communication, Cross-Cultural Design
Discipline
Graphic Design, Research
The thesis investigates how designers from different cultural backgrounds express identity and perception through poster design. It focuses on the relationship between imagery, typography, and symbolism, revealing how each culture encodes its own values and aesthetics into visual communication.
Posters from South Korea and Switzerland were analyzed to identify differences in composition, narrative, and cultural representation. The research highlights how visual decisions are influenced by societal context and local design traditions.
The study demonstrates that posters act as cultural mirrors, reflecting not only artistic style but also the collective mindset of the people they represent. It underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity and diversity in visual communication.