Finding the Dancing Stars: Design for Self-discovery

Nietzsche’s evocative notion of 'giving birth to stars' hints that self-discovery requires a mastery over the chaos within us. This idea suggests that our sense of self hinges on the willpower needed to navigate and make sense of our inner turbulence. Yet, this idealistic view is increasingly contested by modern insights from neuroscience and the complexities of consciousness, which challenge the notion that willpower alone can elevate our spirits. Nonetheless, the pursuit of awareness and deeper spiritual understanding remains a valuable endeavour. In this light, design emerges as a transformative tool for self-exploration and personal growth. Don Norman’s celebrated "Emotional Design" theory shows how design can influence our emotions on both physiological and psychological levels, supporting the idea of design as a means of 'intervening in minds, feelings, and perceptions.' Design, in this framework, acts as a guide—much like a compass for navigators or an instrument for explorers—illuminating our paths and helping us confront our inner chaos. While no single design can wholly resolve our emotional struggles, it serves as a means of navigating our inner worlds and guiding us toward our own 'dancing star.’ Unofficial Observatory invites visitors to delve into their consciousness, emotions, and inner landscapes through the collective's unique design practices. “Finding the Dancing Stars: Design for Self-discovery” weaves together photography, textiles, prints, and paintings to offer practical solutions and engage with this profound issue in contemporary society.