Against the Current: 2024 Design M.F.A. Exhibition

Black background with white text reading “AGAINST THE CURRENT” in mixed sans-serif and blackletter typefaces. Below it, smaller text reads “UT MFA DESIGN EXHIBITION 2024.”

About Against the Current

Against the Current reassesses contemporary societal behaviours and invites viewers to consider new paths forward. Featuring thesis works from four graduating M.F.A candidates in Design, this exhibition explores analogue antidotes, challenges restrictive historical cycles, offers tools for BIPOC design students, and unpacks emerging autonomy. Integral to the work is a spirit of rebellion and resilience-a rejection of structural, cultural, and traditional restraints. 

Meet the Designers

Meet current and past cohorts of M.F.A. students boldly tackling the challenges of today to design a better future in the M.F.A. Student Directory.

View the M.F.A. Directory

Project Details

Designers

Brad Hakes - “Emerging Autonomy”

Darya Pollock - “Speculative Specimens”

Edward McFarland-Catalan - “Tools for BIPOC Design Students”

Stella Richman - “Analogue Antidotes”

Opening Night

Four visitors gather around an embroidered tablecloth featuring stitched questions and designs, including “BE MINE” in a red heart. One person points to a label, while another places a bottle among others on the table. The colorful “TRAJECTORIES” title is visible on the exhibition wall behind them.
Two visitors stand side by side reading exhibition panels mounted on a gallery wall. One person holds up a printed sheet while the other reads from a program booklet. Large text in the background reads “it now?” beneath cloud-like graphics.
A lively gallery reception scene with attendees mingling and conversing in small groups. In the foreground, a table displays a bouquet wrapped in newspaper, several colorful books, and handouts labeled “TAKEAWAYS.” The background features a brightly lit wall with kitchen-themed illustrations.
A person in a tan blazer leans over a table and writes on a large sheet of paper with colorful markers, contributing to a collaborative drawing or reflection activity. The background shows gallery attendees in conversation and exhibit displays on the wall.
A person in a light blue ribbed dress stands with clasped hands, intently viewing a wall-mounted installation and text titled "The Corsets: Constraint of the Male Gaze." The display explores cultural narratives around corsets and gender expectations.
Attendees explore an exhibition titled "Robot Reveals," featuring books, wall text, and interactive displays. A robotic dog rests on the floor near the wall, and people gather in conversation under gallery lighting, with a vibrant “TRAJECTORIES” sign visible in the background.
A group of people gathers outdoors in a shaded courtyard for a performance or presentation. One person in the foreground wears a colorful outfit with sculptural accessories and speaks to the audience, while others stand or sit watching attentively under string lights.
A woman with gray hair wearing a black dress closely examines the embroidered writing on a large textile laid out on a table. Around her, people mingle in a gallery filled with colorful artwork, and three wine bottles rest on the fabric.
A person in a red floral top writes with colorful markers on a large sheet of paper covered in handwritten notes. Behind them, a black gallery wall displays text and a projected image of a maze.

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