May 13 – June 1, 2025

Design has long been defined by those within the establishment—individuals with formal training, access to networks, and the privilege of working within systems built for their success. But what happens when we focus on designers working outside these systems? OUTSIDE/IN celebrates those who challenge traditional norms, offering fresh perspectives and bold, unconventional approaches that are reshaping the design world.

The title OUTSIDE/IN reflects a spirit of self-determination. By reclaiming the term “outsider,” this exhibition moves beyond exclusionary narratives, reframing it as a position of agency, resilience, and creativity. It’s about those who navigate systemic barriers and still forge their own paths, pushing the boundaries of what design can be.

Drawing inspiration from the Outsider Art Movement—but with a critical awareness of its past limitations—this exhibition looks at the idea of “outsider” through a design lens. Here, it isn’t a label imposed on the outside; it’s a self-defined identity that values innovation, diversity, and community. The show highlights designers whose work transcends traditional norms, whether through self-taught practices, experimental materials, marginalized identities, or approaches that challenge the status quo.

Rather than seeing “outsider” as a marker of exclusion or deficiency, this exhibition positions it as a concept full of power and possibility—one that evolves with choice, creativity, and determination. The works on display reflect diverse creative journeys and contributions to design, exploring themes of identity, access, self-expression, and storytelling. From furniture crafted with unexpected materials to objects deeply rooted in cultural heritage, these pieces demonstrate that being an “outsider” can spark remarkable innovation.

This exhibition also acknowledges its own position within the larger design framework. As a gallery show, OUTSIDE/IN recognizes the tension between inclusion and gatekeeping. It doesn’t claim to resolve these complexities but instead invites reflection on who defines the boundaries of “inside” and “outside” in design—and how those definitions can be expanded.

At its heart, OUTSIDE/IN asks us to reconsider what it means to belong. The works presented here embody inclusion as a dynamic process built on connection, collaboration, and shared humanity. By engaging with these designers and their work, we hope you’ll feel inspired to rethink your own ideas of what inclusion and belonging look like in the design world.

A Lyle Gallery and Hello Human Collaboration