Flags beyond countries.

This article was written by a dear Spanish friend of mine and published by Yorokobu in 2017. Now, I have decided to share this article for several reasons. First, because it explains the basics of the project and what it means to me since its inception. Secondly, because I can now see in retrospect how this idea, which was given to me, has been a significant catalyst for my spiritual growth. This journey is a complete story that I may share with you in another blog post. Lastly, I feel more prepared than ever for the project to flourish and bloom, and I am eager to shed light on it!

Here is the translation of the article:

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Aurora Morfín, the designer behind the flags without country.

National pride is something that we Spaniards have let wither away. Our flag carries a hint of the past, which only soccer fans seem to have overcome, though not entirely. The colors have become politicized, and those who wave the rojigualda are labeled with various things. Flags are merely symbols, graphic representations of a country. Perhaps Spain's flag isn't the most beautiful, and some may struggle to accept that it no longer bears an eagle on its shield. Nevertheless, a flag represents something that, for Aurora Morfín, goes beyond a nation.

This Mexican woman designs flags in her Brooklyn studio that embody the values we should uphold in our society. She studied design in Mexico and left her position as a creative director at a Manhattan advertising agency to return to FIT for further studies and earn a creative business certificate. "This has provided me with more insight into the business side of small enterprises. I had the creative aspect covered, but little knowledge of the business side," she says.

When she embarked on her fashion studies, her initial plan was to start a dress business following a model similar to Toms', where purchasing one product would result in a donation to those in need. However, that didn't work out, and her flags were born in an organic and intuitive manner, as she sought to bring more meaning to the world. "A little over two years ago, my life took several unexpected turns. I went through moments of great confusion. During the process, many past wounds came to light. It was during that search and healing period that I refined the flags, which provided me with direction and grew alongside me," explains the designer.

Inspired by her travels, life experiences, and the symbolism of the values themselves, she developed minimalist images with profound underlying messages—a sort of positive gesture for a somewhat bewildered society. The flags serve as visual and subtle reminders of the values we should not lose.

"The colors and positioning of each design have a purpose. For instance, the black section in the 'new beginnings' flag represents a horizon, signifying a firm foundation illuminated by the sun—a sun that rises for everyone," explains the cheerful Mexican designer.

In her endeavor to conceptualize universal values, Morfín believes that the territorial labels and representations employed by our society fail to reflect the outcomes we, as human beings, desire. "Numerous barriers surround us, hindering our connections and preventing us from embracing our true selves. That's why I believe we need new icons today that represent and unite us—values that we all share," she adds.

The Mexican designer believes that intentions supported by new beliefs are the fastest path to bridge the gap between imagination (or the dream of what we aspire to achieve) and reality. Only then can we bring about change.

Morfín places her trust in the current awakening we are experiencing and wishes to continue spreading positivity by waving her flags, reminding those who, like her, seek change to stay aligned with their values.

We will see where the wind blows.

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