SET OFF at SAIC's 2013 Graduate Design Exhibition

By Jessica Mlinaric in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 9, 2013 6:00PM

Designers from four graduate programs at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) will show off their work this month at SET OFF, an off the beaten path exploration of design. Running June 8 - July 5 at the SAIC Sullivan Galleries (33 South State Street), SET OFF features final projects by students in SAIC graduate programs for Master of Design in Designed Objects; Master of Design in Fashion, Body and Garment; Master of Architecture with an Emphasis in Interior Architecture; and Master of Architecture. The free exhibition invites the public to explore emerging designers at the largest of five SAIC showcases running during NeoCon, North America’s largest design exhibition.

SET OFF features 42 works by graduating designers presented in three sections. Echoes Down the Corridor addresses proposals on public spaces, Marks of Indifference reflects on political and social statements, and Rare Bird Sightings examines structure and form in a kind of modern “curiosity cabinet.” SET OFF is the product of a rigorous development process that included over 40 individual meetings with participants. The exhibition title refers both to the use of contrast to offset assumed context in the graduate works as well as the spark igniting the students’ future in design.

The opening reception for SET OFF takes place Monday, June 10, from 6 - 8 p.m., with a panel discussion to follow from 4 -5:30 p.m. June 10 also marks the opening of the SAIC 2013 Post-Baccalaureate Exhibition, featuring 20 students completing Fashion, Body and Garment as well as Studio Post-Baccalaureate.