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Visitors were immersed in a dynamic world of visual arts and design, experiencing a range of projects that demonstrated the students’ mastery and innovation. The thesis display was a vivid tapestry of creative expression, featuring multimedia visual art installations, sophisticated communication designs, innovative textile and fashion collections, and interdisciplinary projects that bridged art and technology. The exhibit highlighted the diverse talents nurtured within MDSVAD, where students pushed the boundaries of traditional practices and explored contemporary themes through their work. Visual art installations engaged audiences with bold, interactive elements that addressed identity, culture, and social issues. Visual communication designs impressed with their ability to convey complex ideas through compelling imagery and typography, while the textile, fashion, and accessories collections showcased cutting-edge designs that fused aesthetic appeal with technical proficiency. The interdisciplinary projects stood out for their innovative approach, blending various artistic and design practices to offer new perspectives on modern challenges. Each piece reflected the students’ dedication to their craft and their ability to think critically and creatively. The week-long celebration of artistic talent culminated in a vibrant closing ceremony that recognized the achievements of the graduating students and the support of their mentors. Industry professionals, alumni, and art enthusiasts attended the display, providing feedback and building connections with the emerging artists and designers. Dean Dr. S.M. Tariq Javed lauded the students, expressing pride in their innovative spirit and the diverse range of projects presented. He emphasized the significant contributions these graduates are poised to make in the art and design fields. Complementing the thesis display were workshops, panel discussions, and live demonstrations that enriched the experience, offering insights into the creative processes behind the showcased works. The event underscored BNU’s commitment to fostering a dynamic environment for artistic growth and innovation, leaving attendees inspired by the extraordinary talent and vision of the next generation of visual artists and designers.
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Beaconhouse National University (BNU)'s Mariam Dawood School of Visual Arts and Design (MDSVAD) proudly announced the initiation of the BNU Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts, with the inaugural award being conferred on the esteemed Mr. Hameed Haroon. Mr. Hameed Haroon's remarkable contributions to Pakistan's art, design, media, and cultural landscape have made a lasting impact on the country's cultural identity. As a visionary leader, he has promoted heritage and culture through his work at Dawn Media, Mohatta Palace Museum, and with the Government of Sindh. Mr. Haroon has diligently archived and documented Pakistan's rich cultural history, supported notable artists, and curated seminal exhibitions. The award ceremony took place on June 8, 2024, at the SLASS Auditorium, BNU. Multiple dignitaries including members of BNU Board of Governors Mrs. Nasreen Mahmud Kasuri, Mr. Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, Mr. Kasim Kasuri besides Syed Baber Ali, Mr. Abdul Razzak Dawood, Professor Salima Hashmi, Mr. Nayyar Ali Dada, Mr. Iqbal Z. Ahmed, Ms. Sameera Raja, Ms. Adeela Suleman, Vice Chancellor Dr. Moeed W. Yusuf and others graced the occasion. The event also featured the opening of the Degree Show 2024, which was inaugurated by Mr. Hameed Haroon, showcasing the outstanding works of MDSVAD's graduating students. MDSVAD, under the visionary leadership of Dean Rashid Rana, has established itself as a premier hub for creative excellence. Offering unique programs that foster innovative thinking, artistic expression, and critical analysis, MDSVAD has nurtured talent, experimentation, and originality, shaping the future of art and design in Pakistan and beyond. Dean Rana's vision has enabled MDSVAD to become a beacon producing alumni who have made a significant impact in the art and design world. The Fine Arts Department, headed by Risham Syed, produced talented artists who gained national and international recognition.
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First Edition of Design Summit Unveiled Intricacies of Design Discourse in Lahore On March 12, 2024, The Design Summit Lahore 01, a pioneering event poised to unravel the intricacies of design discourse in Pakistan and the Global South, was held at the historic Walled City of Lahore and BNU Campus from March 7 to 13, 2024, as part of BNU’s 20th-anniversary celebrations. Hosted by the Mariam Dawood School of Visual Arts and Design (MDSVAD) at Beaconhouse National University (BNU), in collaboration with Rhode Island School of Design and the Punjab Walled City Authority, this groundbreaking summit showcased diverse facets of design through exhibitions, conversations, projects, and pavilions. Under the theme “Everything that has been designed or will be designed is being designed right now,” coined by Prof. Ijlal Muzaffar of Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), the Design Summit fostered a rich and expansive dialogue on design. It brought together international speakers, design academics, practitioners, and visionaries who delve into conversations surrounding the themes: ‘Artificial and Other Intelligences’, ‘Planetary Geographies’, ‘Design as Translation’ and ‘Designing Pakistan’. The Conversations segment was Powered by Lead Sponsor JS BANK and their digital arm JS Zindagi. Other key aspects of the summit included the Simultaneity as Design: Pakistan and Beyond- Exhibition, that showcased a curated display of works at the Royal Kitchen, sponsored by Co Lead Sponsor i2c Inc., and Patron / Cultural Partner German Embassy to Pakistan and the Materiality as Design; Envisioning Space Through Time- Pavilions exhibition that inspired audiences with their large-scale installations, sponsored by Meraj Housing Society. Additionally, the Spontaneity as Design; Jugaar and the City - Projects showcased at the Delhi Gate presented a critical re-examination of the notion of ‘Jugaar’ through real-life interventions. Sponsored by Cultural Partners British Council with some projects supported by Anne-Marie Schimmel Haus (German Culture Centre Lahore). The grand finale of the summit was held at the BNU Tarogil campus, witnessing participant engagement in hackathons, workshops and unique segments such as Sound and Performance as Design. The night concluded with the Food as Design segment led by Hashoo Group.
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MDSVAD welcomed the second iteration of the Tolerance Poster Show. Originating in 2017 and spanning 40 countries with 81 appearances, this impactful exhibition returned to Lahore, Pakistan, for its second stint. The Tolerance Poster Show offers institutions the freedom to curate and exhibit works based on their capacity, which are then digitally printed and showcased. Curated by Professor Aarish Sardar, this rendition of the exhibition graced the serene backdrop of the SLASS Lawn on BNU's campus, captivating students, faculty, and visitors alike. Renowned design author and Co-Chair of the MFA Design Department at the School of Visual Arts, New York, Steven Heller, shared his commendation for the Tolerance Poster Show. In a quick review published in The Daily Heller, Heller emphasized the significance of tolerance in all societies and praised the efforts of Aarish Sardar in organizing the show at BNU. "The show leverages the unique power of design to remind us of our shared humanity," underscores organizer Mirko Ilic. By fostering dialogue and understanding, the Tolerance Poster Show at BNU continues to serve as a beacon of unity and acceptance in a world enriched by diversity.