Westworld (2016) – Season 4 – Episode 1 – The Auguries (2022)

Art is a lie that tells the truth.

– Maya

In Westworld Season 4 Episode 1, the character Maya makes the statement that “art is a lie that tells the truth.” This line is a commentary on the nature of art and its role in society. The idea is that art often presents an idealized or stylized version of reality, but at the same time it reveals deeper truths about the human condition and our experiences.

Maya’s statement can be seen as a nod to the idea that art is a form of self-expression that allows artists to communicate their perspectives, experiences, and emotions to the world. By presenting a distorted or stylized view of reality, art can reveal truths about the world that might be difficult to see in everyday life. In this sense, art can be seen as a form of truth-telling, even though it is not necessarily a direct representation of reality.

In the context of Westworld, the idea of art as a lie that tells the truth is particularly relevant, given the show’s themes of artificial intelligence and the relationship between humans and robots. The series raises questions about the nature of reality and the power of art to shape our perceptions and experiences.