Myth and reality 1984

This 1984 Cold War era poster by artist V. Slepukhin is built around a sharp contrast between illusion and truth. At the top appears the word «МИФ» meaning “Myth,” referring to the small paper boat made from the United States flag floating calmly on the surface. Below, emerging from the dark water, is a black, menacing submarine with sharp, tooth-like forms and the letters US visible on its hull. At the bottom of the poster is the word «И РЕАЛЬНОСТЬ», translated as “And Reality,” identifying the submarine as the true underlying condition. The composition makes it clear that the harmless image above represents a comforting illusion, while the submerged weapon embodies the real danger. The poster exposes the gap between peaceful appearances and hidden military power. It delivers a blunt Cold War warning that reassuring symbols can mask a far more threatening reality beneath the surface.