The exhibition showcased more than 40 graduation projects from the graduating class and was inaugurated by Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Khedairi, Undersecretary of the municipality of Makkah. All the projects fell under the theme of “Eureka” — the phrase by famous inventor, Archimedes Greco, which means: “I have found it!”
The graphic designer’s ideas varied from prayer carpets to candy shops, but one thing they all had in common was promoting their project ideas into business concepts.
“We gave students the freedom to choose project ideas based on their experiences. That is why all projects differ from one another,” said Dr. Suhair Al-Qurashi, Dean of Dar Al-Hekma College.
The exhibition symbolized the business knowledge journey experienced by the graphic design students by studying, researching, discovering and merging imagination with creativity to serve the areas of development.
“Preparation for the exhibition took 14 weeks of continuous work. We invited all the students’ families, designers, companies and professionals as well as academics from local universities and institutions,” said Al-Qurashi who added that the Graphic Design Department at Dar Al-Hekma is the only one of its kind in the Kingdom.
“We are seeking, through the Department of Graphic Design, to cooperate with Saudi and international experts in the field of global design. We are looking to construct the first Saudi Arabian global network for professional designers,” she added.
Balgees Ghurab took her viewers into the world of insects. “As a graphic designer, it is my job to make ordinary subjects appear more interesting and turn them into something extraordinary,” said Ghurab.
She chose Entomology (the study of insects) based on two reasons. “First, very few people are interested in insects. Second, I tend to pay attention to the smallest details. So, what better way to reflect that than in tiny insects that have been created with extreme perfection and detail?”
She added that the approach she used for this project was experimental and she used different mediums that do not relate to one another. For example, to collect her data, she used entomology resources, books and websites.
Believing in simplicity to reach people’s hearts, Dalia Saud Al-Qurashi, chose to study graphic design to improve her country’s image in the world.
“My senior project is about differences between the male and female human brain during thought processes. I have presented my idea in a handy pocket book that both men and women will find easy to read,” said Al-Qurashi.
According to Hibatullah Ghassan Hawalla, designers must come with up with strong concepts that people will relate to and at the same time, find interesting and creative. Her project titled “We Are What We Eat,” compares fruits to the human body.
“From our early childhood, our parents and grandparents would tell us to eat carrots to improve our sight. If you look at sliced carrot, it looks exactly like a human eye,” said Hawalla.
“Another example is the similarity between a womb and an avocado fruit. Studies have shown that the seed of the avocado is carried the same way that a baby is carried inside a mother’s womb. Also, an avocado fruit takes nine months to develop from a seed to a mature fruit which is similar to a baby’s development.”
Hawallah developed this idea into a small book of valuable and interesting information about human body parts that can be easily carried around.Criticizing our society was the mission of Israa Baghlaf who aims at highlighting the unwanted behavior patterns in Saudi society.
“My objective is to alert people of the negativity of these behaviors patterns through two funny characters called Fullana and Zuatana. These funny characters help people understand traditional proverbs from the Western province,” said Baghlaf.
Khaleda Kamal Turki was interested in capturing photos for every moment. This encouraged her to choose her project idea based on moments in life.
“My project is about capturing moments and focusing on the precious ones that happen in a family. My interest is to strengthen family relations and to get people more involved,” said Turki.
A children’s candy shop is the project idea of graphic designer, Kholood Al-Esayi who designed staff for her candy shop, “Jelly Belly” as she has never seen a specialty candy shop for children with attractive designs and colors.
Another graphic designer, Dania Abudawood, focused on sports where she designed skateboards, sports bags and key chains for both sexes.
Mohammed Abdu, Saudi singer and composer who has been described as “The Artist of Arabs” and an “esteemed Saudi singer,” was also in attendance. He came to see and encourage the students’ work, especially his daughter, Haifa Mohammed Abdu.
Haifa Abdu’s project, “My Carpet,” is a modern prayer carpet that is easy to use, simple and attractive. Her modern carpet is printed with modern Islamic designs, which can attract a large number of youth.
“This carpet differs from other traditional carpets. Most carpets are printed with mosque photos whereas my carpet has modern Islamic pictures on it,” said Abdu who confirmed that she discussed her work with her father where he advised her several times.
“The mission of my project is to make it possible for youth who spend a lot of time outside the home, to pray. This carpet can be carried around easily in a small case that can be put inside a handbag,” she explained.
“I am proud of my daughter and the Saudi women in general,” said Mohammed Abdu. “Such an exhibition confirmed that women can specialize in their products since these ideas have never been discussed in international exhibitions.”
