In today’s fast-paced and rapidly changing business landscape, companies need to transform to stay competitive and relevant. Transformation can take many forms, from digital transformation to cultural transformation, but one important factor that is often overlooked is the need for transformation to be agnostic. In other words, transformation should not be tied to a particular technology or solution but should be open to different options. Here are some reasons why agnosticism is crucial for transformation.
Flexibility
Agnosticism enables flexibility. By being open to different options, companies can adapt to changing circumstances and choose the solution that best fits their needs. For example, if a company is undergoing a digital transformation, they may need to switch to a different software solution mid-project. If they are agnostic, they can make the switch without disrupting the entire transformation.
Avoid Lock-in
Agnosticism also helps companies avoid lock-in. When a company chooses a particular technology or solution, they may be tied to that solution for years, even if it no longer meets their needs. By being agnostic, companies can avoid lock-in and have the freedom to switch to a different solution if necessary.
Innovation
Agnosticism also encourages innovation. When companies are tied to a particular technology or solution, they may be hesitant to explore other options or try new things. By being agnostic, companies can explore different technologies and solutions and choose the ones that will help them innovate and stay ahead of the competition.
Better Decision Making
Finally, agnosticism leads to better decision-making. When companies are agnostic, they can consider different options and make an informed decision based on their needs and goals. This leads to better outcomes and avoids the potential for costly mistakes.
One example of this is Ebony Reprinted, a series of monoprints that present “the healing possibilities of abstraction.” To make the works, Dana used images that circulated in printed adverts and distorted them using paint to “remove traces of exploitative, white-dominated, capitalist, visual language and allow the individuals in these images to regain their agency.” She does this by smearing, pressing and adding texture to paint and, as the individuals and their faces becomes more abstract, the notion is that they also become “exponentially more present.”
As well as Beirut Re-Store’s marketplace, towards the end of October the platform will launch a “special collection of bespoke items” made in collaboration with non-profit organisation Creatives For Lebanon. This collection is already confirmed to feature contributions from Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier and Supriya Lee.
With a background in both graphic design and art, Dana Robinson’s practice sits at a fascinating intersection. She understands the power of combining imagery and text and the cultural and social connotations that come along with doing so, but she also embodies a freedom of expression often lacking in graphic design, meaning Dana’s portfolio errs towards abstraction and conceptual investigations. The onus of these investigations is on youth, Black female identity, ownership and nostalgia, topics she explores by combining, reproducing and deconstructing vintage materials, found objects and paint.
