Nina's Portfolio

MFA Thesis Book
2024

In this moment of ecological crisis, we must re-evaluate material hierarchy. Our current material hierarchy no longer matches the values of our progressive culture. How, or what, can we learn through the ephemerality of objects? Perdurable materials, like concrete and plastic, withstand time and are valued for their strength. Perdurable materials often outlive their original purpose, and society is left with remnants that wreak havoc on the environment. Organic materials, like cotton and wood, degrade more quickly. Rather than considering this swift degradation as a negative, could we appreciate the brisk degradation of organic materials as a strength?

This publication is the culmination of thesis research as part of Pratt Institute’s MFA Communications Design program.

View the full text here.

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