Spark: The Seventh Annual MFA Design Department Thesis Exhibition
April 15, 2006 | Levent OZLER
May 5 - 20, 2006
Reception: Monday, May 8, 6 - 8pm
Visual Arts Gallery
School of Visual Arts (SVA) presents "Spark," an exhibition of thesis projects by 21 students graduating from the MFA Design Department at SVA. The exhibition is the culmination of a two-year program led by co-chairs Steven Heller and Lita Talarico in which students develop socially and environmentally aware products that are intended to be both commercially viable and culturally significant. The exhibition includes graphic, motion, web site and 3D design by an international group of graduates from diverse backgrounds. "Spark" is curated by Dorothy Twining Globus, an SVA faculty member, Museum of Arts & Design curator of exhibitions and independent curator.
The featured designers aim to move beyond graphic design, as traditionally defined, into the realm of concept creators and producers who positively influence culture. As an integral part of the design process, students develop a business plan, conduct market research and study intellectual property law. They then create a brand strategy, including logo, graphic identity and promotional materials with a target audience in mind.
A number of designers in "Spark" tackle societal issues head on. Sunniva Djupedal celebrates aesthetics and function through a line of products for differently-abled people, while Luisa Gloria fights corruption with San Honesto, her invention of a new saint. Amy Wang envisions converting the U.S. to the metric system through Ametrica, a public awareness campaign, as Jong Woo Si urges Americans to reconsider material culture through his Buddhist-inspired graphics. Olympia Vouitsis has constructed a virtual neighborhood that sheds light on eldercare, while Luma Eldin's Thread strives to unite the world of the Middle East by exploring similarities rather than differences.
Graphic design is central to several projects. Hyunjoo Choi's new typeface addresses the needs of Korean graphic designers by combining Western and Eastern elements in related fonts. Juan Diego Soto authors Casa Papagayo, a brand of children's books based on Latin American folk tales, and Jesse Willmon provides a platform for visual inspiration in Commix, an interactive, online community that allows individuals to create their own comics collaboratively.
Some of the designers take their cue from nature. David Haring engages the natural environment with Mobilus, a lightweight, inhabitable pod. Carrie Solomon draws inspiration from organic forms and abstract art in her series of home furnishings. Suzy Cho gives the urban gardener a boost with Dirt, a line of gardening kits for city dwellers. Kate Boyle appeals to parents' concerns for healthy living and environmental stewardship through a line of hip, eco-friendly baby and toddler wear. Jamie Prokell introduces a new set of tools with which to decode the often confusing messages of current recycling rules.
The projects also address a wide range of real-world audiences. Ande La Monica makes Shakespeare relevant for today's youth through the television series SPOTLIGHT, while Michelle Martynowicz introduces Hello Design, a user-friendly career guide for high school students interested in design. Andy Outis helps battle bicycle theft and vandalism with a new line of products for the cycling community, which is also the target audience for Brian Smith's Nimbus, a collection of highly visible safety gear and accessories. Rick Landers facilitates a balance between work and leisure in Wink, a line of office and desk accessories for the self-identified workaholic. Megan Oiler offers an assist to frequent fliers in TMNY (That's Mine, NotYours), an online store that allows people to customize their own luggage for easy identification. Sue Walsh unveils a line of free weights and self-guided instructions designed specifically for women.
The Visual Arts Gallery, located at 601 West 26th Street between 11th and 12th Avenues, 15th floor, is open Monday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm; closed on Sundays and public holidays. Admission is free. The gallery is accessible by wheelchair. For further information call 212.592.2145.
School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York City is an established leader and innovator in the education of artists. From its inception in 1947, the faculty has been comprised of professionals working in the arts and art-related fields. SVA provides an environment that nurtures creativity, inventiveness and experimentation, enabling students to develop a strong sense of identity and a clear direction of purpose.
School of Visual Arts: http://www.dexigner.com/directory/detail/7494.html
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