Signs of (un)making

Signs of (un)making

Through the (un)making process, the conceptual designer Noud Sleumer exposes us to the tragicomic worlds underpinning our existence. From energy, to technology, to global trade routes, Sleumer's designerly touch is one that unpicks. His hand doesn’t just sketch a form, but pulls at a thread. Keeping the pressure until the whole thing unravels and we’re left with the feeling that everything is just a little bit…confused. But he doesn’t let us wallow in that feeling. His emphasis on the ability of humanity to be inventive and creative even in the most dire situations, is in contrast to the usual critical design projects that comment from the sidelines. The fact that a methodology is being developed by the designer shows potential of design as an investigative force. By going down the rabbit hole, and documenting the ensuing chaos, we’re invited to see the alter-realities that underpin our habits of scrolling, eating imported foods and charging our laptops.