Seeing Beyond Maps (2025)
2025 SVA exhibition curated and designed by graduate students from MFA Design for Social Innovation.
The month-long exhibit featured work designed by students in our MFA DSI courses, Mapping and Visualization (instructor: Grace Kwon and Stephanie Yim) and Disruptive Design (instructor: Mari Nakano).
Featuring social designers from MFA DSI ’25 + 26:
Héctor Ruiz Verduzco, Hao Jie Sim, Xiaolan Fu, Kelsey Zhang, Yuki Han, Nany Chen, Diana Liu, Yona Yao, Stephen Zhang, Ae Duk Lee, Jieying Du, Yajá Mulcare, Susanti Vijaykumar, Kevin Sun, Aya Kimata
The interactive design of the installation – a map, in and of itself – sparked dialogue about how maps can be fluid, multidimensional, and deeply human.
The February 15 opening night reception was pure magic — filled with thoughtful conversations about mapping, interactive installations, and a memorable performance by Ae Duk Lee (MFA DSI ’26). Mari Nakano, DSI Faculty, reminded us that we are constantly mapping our bodies, minds, and actions.
This exhibition speaks to and questions the significance of maps in our world today and encourages us to critically consider the following: “Mapping holds immense potential for social impact: to challenge prevalent narratives and expand our collective understanding. If we make new maps, where will they lead us?”
Seeing Beyond Maps
Exhibition dates: February 17 – March 11, 2025
Location: SVA Gramercy Gallery, 209 23rd St 1st Fl, New York NY 10010
See highlights from the opening reception:
Many thanks to SVA Galleries, for supporting this exciting student-led effort.
