As creativity graduates

art

It is inspiring to see young and fresh talent emerging from Pakistan in the field of craftsmanship. One can guarantee that in no other field of articulation does the nation have shown such guarantee as of late. The most recent model is the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture’s yearly degree show. The presentation had in plain view proposals of no less than 135 young individuals. The graduating understudies have a place with the accompanying disciplines: fine art, architecture, communication design and interior design.

Bursting hallways, so many happy faces, and such extraordinary virtual experiences, this is what a celebration of creativity should exude, and so it did at the IVS Graduate display 2021. Amid the pandemic, the thesis show is online as well and now the thesis work of students is displayed in a dedicated website for the virtual degree show. A diverse pool of talent, equally gifted, having produced some of the most meaningful work, stood right next to their projects as proudly as they ought to be. These graduates presented works that were powerful; a culmination of endless late nights and artistic experiments, and we can only wish them luck as they embark on their respective journeys- and light up every place they go to with their humility and creativity.

While there was no dearth of talent and every project stood out in its own right, this week You! takes a look at some of the young practitioners at the IVS display 2021…

The flow of life

Displaying a high level of spirituality and experimentation, Mahnoor Baloch’s thesis work revolved around exploring different aspects of water, “A God’s creation that exists in multiple states. Water has an inherent serenity, regardless of what is going around it, it goes with the flow; it starts and ends at sea, while all along adapting hues of natural elements that reflect on it,” shared Baloch. Translating these hues and movements into the weaves, giving her lifestyle products views of seascapes consisting of aerial, underwater, and eye-level, allowing the viewer to explore deeply the movement and the colours of water.

Experimenting with nature

Kanza Nasir, a graduate of the textile department, showcased a project that draws inspiration from ‘modules and patterns in nature’. As multiple modules combine and make a whole, she created a set of baskets, not only playing with different forms of the modules; while experimenting with various sizes and shapes. She used plant waste, leftover yarn, leather, and jute to create a sustainable collection that serves the individual needs of her clients.

Weaving artistically

Inspired by the beauty and charm of truck art motifs, Fatima Rafiq’s thesis translated the journey of constructing a ‘charpai’. Unlike the traditional rope-bed with geometric patterns, waste materials were utilised to create designs with neon colours. “To capture the essence of the charpoy, organic material was a necessary factor within the production. Starting from the wood to the choice of rope, I wanted to keep everything authentic and as natural as possible,” Fatima explained.

Lower your gaze

“Ghoor key dikha” a social commentary consisting of three short films by Tarnaish Mehta revolved around the important issue of the male gaze and how it makes women uncomfortable, uneasy and insecure. An excellent narrative that highlights the intensity of discomfort caused to women due to their gaze; while at the same time encouraging women to come out and break that discomfort and feel empowered in doing so.

Saree not sorry

Spreading a simple and small motif across a six-yard sari was an intriguing revelation, and it was a treat to get Ramsha Aftab Bhatti to explain how a motif was worked and reworked until it came to fruition. Undergoing a series of traditional and digital processes, she had managed to create a customised process to suit her individual style. It was also helpful in providing insight into how the process allows you the opportunity to reassess your project as it undergoes deconstruction and recreation.

Ray of positivity

Truly disturbed by the happenings of the Kati Pahari, a young architecture student developed a larger-than-life mobile solution to bring a ray of positivity to the lives of the people in the affected region. To help Hazara children residing in the surrounding areas access to education and other facilities, she designed a system comprising buses that are environmentally and economically efficient and can serve the purpose more effectively.

With everything taken into account, the collection of work created by the students had genuine traces of the human touch, something frequently missing from the business plan of our country. The exhibition carried a variety in the media the artists chose to work on, ranging from ceramics, textile, design, to photography and architecture. It was truly a treat to witness such talent and know that the fate of the country is in good hands.