I began to explore the metaphorical nature of diagrams. And their ability to give shape to complex and even inconceivable concepts. I also formulated a set of unanswerable questions that – when drawn in parallel with open-ended diagrammatic constructions – could prompt the act to resolve, think, respond and dialogue. To prompt this process, I created two sets of cards where the objective is to pair an unanswerable question with a diagram that helps you formulate an open-ended response to the question. Or perhaps, the question gives you a framework within which you develop an understanding of a diagram. The objective here is to trigger a process of developing meaning. And exchanging the meanings you have inferred with another.
There are no correct answers to these questions. Rather than working towards a fixed and correct way to respond to the questions, it is about developing a shared understanding that people can interpret things differently, and come to their own conclusions.
The purpose here is to accept the existence of gaps and difference in our interpretations – which may leave us open to accepting and learning other viewpoints. The exercise here is not telling you how to think about something. But encouraging you to think and be open to new ideas in return.
Diagram Cards:
Forty-four abstract diagrammatic cards and two blank cards in case you want to expand on the set of diagrams.
My original card experiments were in risograph. However, I have printed the final set of cards using a digital inkjet machine as I wasn’t looking to make multiple copies of the same set of diagrams, but print a number of different diagram cards. I have preserved the colour and layer separation style of the risograph experiments.
Unanswerable Questions:
Twelve unanswerable questions and two blank cards in case you want to note down and attempt to navigate any difficult questions that you’ve been pondering.
Instruction Sheet:
This document includes a set of diagrammatic and verbal instructions that illustrate how to use the two sets of cards in a way that might trigger the process of resolution, thought and dialogue.
This document has been risograph printed to complement the layered elements of the diagrams; moreover, this method of print allows for easy multiplication to make multiple copies of the instructions to share with participants.
Example Card Pairings: