Antoinette Carroll, DesignArts UT '21 Juror Website
Design (as a field) is going through a revolution—transitioning from visual language only to movement building. The most powerful designs included in this year's DesignArts Utah centered on the importance of identities, flexible designs for inclusion and belonging, and personal reflection. While some may view students as the ones to be taught, the designs presented in this showcase showed us that they should be the ones teaching. The social impact and equity focus of each piece spoke to the transition of our society from capitalism and individualism to collective liberation.
As I've stated many times in my work, all of our systems have been by design and therefore they can be redesigned. The designers in this showcase are a part of the movement of redesigners.
A great example of acknowledging the history of society while centering the power of identity-centered design was Joslynn Taylor's BLM Event Poster Series. Not only was this piece timely, but it also narrated a story of the past and a story of possibility through strategic and simple visual storytelling using line illustrations, bold typography, and striking photography. This piece was inviting us all to join one of many decades-long fights for equality and equity within our society.
I believe that design is the intention (and unintentional impact) behind an outcome. A majority of the pieces selected spoke to the outcomes we navigate every day through the lens of race, ethnicity, neurodiversity, ability status, socioeconomic status, and more. Some for justice and some for personal comfort. Additionally, amongst all of the designs presented, there also were many that centered on the importance of joy and fun. And, for us to REDESIGN our society for equity and liberation, we must have healing, fulfillment, and joy within the work. Design encompasses it all.
Thank you all for inviting me to immerse myself into Utah's creative community and I'm looking forward to designing and redesigning together.
