KARACHI: The Degree Show 2024 featuring innovative final projects by over 180 graduating students of the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS) concluded here on Saturday.

Work of students from the IVS Fine Art, Architecture, Communication Design, Interior Design, Fashion Design, and Textile Design departments was on display at the exhibition.

According to a press release, the Degree Show celebrates the power of art and design to address societal issues, foster creativity and inspire change.

Among the highlights, Communication Design graduate Nabia Tariq presents her thesis, SafeHer, addressing the challenges women face when commuting in Karachi. The project proposes SafeStops — women-only waiting areas — and an empowering app that provides real-time updates, convenience, and emergency support, reimagining safer public transport experiences for women.

Another Communication Design graduate, Hiba Rehman, introduces Jugnoo, a design-driven initiative dedicated to improving the emotional and psychological well-being of children living with their incarcerated mothers in Central Jail, Karachi. Her project includes trauma-informed spaces equipped with educational resources and a community engagement website encouraging mentorship and donations.

Fine Art graduate Zoraiz Jafri’s project, Silent Symbols and Louder Narratives, investigates how symbols of power, such as branded pens and furniture in government offices, subtly exert authority. His work critiques these elements through their design, placement, and historical context, exploring their impact on identity and societal structures.

Architecture graduate Neha Mansoor draws inspiration from Shah Rasool Colony’s narrow, labyrinth-like streets with her project, Labyrinthine-scapes: Navigating Opportunities for Discovery and Play. Her design creates informal learning and play spaces, integrating art as a tool for empowerment, reflecting the colony’s urban fabric.

Textile Design graduate Mahnoor Mehmoud’s Silhouette in Wax reinterprets Indonesia’s Cap Batik, blending cultural essence with sustainability. Her immersive installation invites viewers to explore this traditional art form through a personal lens.

Fashion Design graduate Reyan Iqbal’s All That Glitters is Gold spotlights the exquisite emeralds of Swat Valley mines. His centerpiece, a breastplate crafted from recycled aluminum, reflects sustainability and innovation while fostering global recognition of local treasures.

Interior Design graduate Sana Waheed’s project, Aakhri Qist, juxtaposes spaces occupied by women in two iconic Pakistani TV dramas, Tanhaiyan (1985) and Humsafar (2011). Her work highlights changes in female characters and their representation across eras.

Published in Dawn, December 15th, 2024