In her poem, Emily Dickinson wrote, “There is a solitude of space / A solitude of sea / But none, of deep and dreadful sort / Like is the want of thee.” The Unsent Project invites us to explore this profound solitude, share our unspoken yearnings, and discover that we are not alone in the depths of our longing.
It is a digital confessional of things unsaid, a desolate chamber where unspoken words find their voice. The project provides a platform for such feelings to be expressed without any interference.
About The Project
The Unsent Project, initiated by artist Rora Blue, is a collection of over 5 million unsent text messages by people around the globe. Initiated in 2015, it delves into themes of emotion and human connection. Blue launched this project to capture the unspoken thoughts and feelings people have towards others, weaving together a collective emotional story from personal experiences. While the term “first love” is a starting point, the project encompasses a wide range of relationships, including romantic partners, friends, family members, and even pets.
About the Artist
Rora Blue is a queer, disabled artist based in Reno, Nevada. Their work, often incorporating soft sculpture and installation, explores the intersections of queerness, disability, and nature. Recognized for their innovative approach, Blue has received prestigious awards including the VSA Emerging Young Artist Award and the International IphiGenia Gender Design Award. Their art has been exhibited globally and featured in publications such as The New York Times.
Themes and Human Emotion
The Unsent Project is a raw and honest reflection of the human experience. The messages span a vast emotional landscape, from the exhilaration of young love to the despair of loss. Readers encounter the bittersweet ache of longing, the regret of missed opportunities, and the complexities of relationships. These digital confessions offer a glimpse into the hearts and minds of strangers, creating a profound sense of shared humanity.
How the Unsent Project Works
The Unsent Project has a straightforward process. Users submit their unsent text messages anonymously. Each message is assigned a color the sender chooses to represent and reflect their emotions. These color-coded messages are compiled into a publicly accessible online archive, creating a vast collection of unspoken words.
Decoding the Colors
The Unsent Project uses color to categorize messages, visually representing the emotions within. This is a breakdown of what each color signifies:
- Black: Symbolizes darkness and despair, often linked to heartbreak or betrayal.
- White: Represents longing and missing someone deeply, wishing things could be the same.
- Gray: Indicates pain but with a sense of acceptance or understanding.
- Red: A mix of emotions, primarily love and gratitude.
- Orange: A complex color representing a blend of pain, humor, or resentment.
- Yellow: Associated with positivity and hope, even amidst challenges.
- Green: Combines melancholy with hope, suggesting a longing for what could be.
- Blue: The most common color, representing love in its various shapes and forms, from happiness to sadness.
- Pink: Often linked to heartbreak and the feeling of giving one’s all without reciprocation.
- Purple: A mix of pain and positivity, demonstrating resilience and hope.
- Brown: Represents a less intense range of emotions, often without overwhelming anger or resentment.
The Healing Power of Writing Unsent Messages
Writing an unsent message offers a therapeutic release for many individuals. By putting emotions into words, people can process complex feelings, gain clarity, and find a sense of closure without needing a response. This act of writing allows for introspection and self-reflection, making it easier to move past difficult emotions. The Unsent Project provides a safe space for these expressions, transforming private thoughts into shared experiences, helping individuals feel heard and understood even in their silence.
Unsent Project Subscription
You can join the Unsent Project community with a monthly subscription of $10. On subscription, you will receive five unique Unsent Project stickers, color-coordinated to match the month’s theme. The subscription will also include a heartfelt letter from Rora Blue. There are also artistic prints, digital downloads, or other exclusive items curated for subscribers.
Submission Terms
Those who contribute to The Unsent Project must abide by a few terms that the website has stated. You must ensure that your submission doesn’t include personal identifying information or explicit content. The project reserves the right to edit, remove, or refuse submissions that do not comply with these terms. By submitting your message to The Unsent Project, you agree that it may be shared publicly, including on the project’s website, social media, and other media channels.
Comparison Section
The Comparison section of The Unsent Project allows users to explore pairs of messages that might have been written to each other. This feature helps uncover connections between different submissions, offering a unique perspective on how people express similar emotions. By viewing these comparative messages side by side, users can see the diverse ways people navigate their feelings and relationships. It’s a powerful tool for understanding the universality and uniqueness of human experiences.
Ethical Considerations
The Unsent Project navigates critical ethical considerations regarding the sharing of personal content. Balancing artistic expression with respect for individual privacy is a crucial aspect of the project.
Discussions about the ethics of sharing unsent messages highlight the need for sensitivity and care in handling personal information. The project’s approach to these considerations reflects a commitment to maintaining integrity and respecting contributors’ privacy.
The Unsent Project’s Impact
The Unsent Project has had a significant cultural impact, resonating deeply with people from diverse backgrounds. By compiling millions of unsent messages, it has created a collective narrative that highlights the universal nature of human emotions. This project fosters a sense of community, showing that personal struggles and feelings of love, loss, and longing are shared experiences. The public platform and live installations offer a space for reflection and connection, encouraging empathy and understanding among participants and viewers alike.
