What does it mean to be openminded? The concept of openmindedness brings with it many different psychological aspects, often difficult to fully comprehend and implement in everyday life. In order for an individual to open their mind, they will most likely have to apply fundamental changes to their way of thinking, consequently altering their way of life.
For this project I aimed to visualize this concept of openmindedness and what it means to open one's mind. Originally the project was meant to be a physical installation consisting of multiple rooms through which participants were to experience several aspects of openmindedness (more on this under the 'Future Ideas' subpage). However, due to certain circumstances, the project became a digital one. In this digital version of the project, participants are led through a representation of several aspects of openmindedness where fundamental changes to a way of thinking are to be made. After successfully altering these aspects, the mind will be opened, possibly leaving a sense of openmindedness in the participants.
I am not the body I inhabit.
I’m the soul that dwells within.
I’m not the hair, I’m not the weight,
I’m not the height,
I’m not the skin.
Don’t judge me by my color,
By my weight, my height, or the color of my eyes.
You’ll find your judgements
Fall far short
Of the spirit that therein lies.
Give me a chance,
I may surprise you.
Leave your judgements at the door.
Who knows, you may find
We’re kindred spirits.
And together we may inspire each other
To become so much more.
-avsongbird
OPEN YOUR MIND from Thijs Van Vliet on Vimeo.