Exhibition

Maps are conventionally shaped by dominant perspectives, and they reinforce particular ways of seeing the world. When people confuse models of reality with reality itself, the prevailing view can seem inescapable. Yet, as Alfred Korzybski stated, “The map is not the territory.” Maps are not neutral—they shape power, access, and representation. This is why 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?

MFA Design for Social Innovation presents “Seeing Beyond Maps,” an exhibition that challenges conventional cartography through maps of sounds, objects, cultures, and communities. This exhibition sparks a dialogue about how maps can be fluid, multidimensional, and deeply human. Each map aims to unravel a different facet of society—questioning access to public space and challenging urban ecology decisions, revealing social dynamics, celebrating the vibrant strengths of neighborhoods and more. Through mapping, we navigate the ever-changing world with intention and integrity, shedding light on the systems we inhabit and how they shape our practices, culture, and society. 

Social impact work is an ongoing journey. The work on display is a snapshot of social design practices by students of the MFA Design for Social Innovation (DSI) at SVA, a graduate design program exploring how creativity can facilitate the conditions and relationships for lasting positive change in our communities and the environment. We invite you to engage with these maps not as passive representations but as active practices of storytelling, advocacy, and possibility.

Participating designers from the program include Héctor Ruiz Verduzco, Hao Jie Sim, Xiaolan Fu, Kelsey Zhang, Yuki Han, Nany Chen, Diana Liu, Yona Yao, Steven Zhang, Ae Duk Lee, Jieying Du, Yajá Mulcare, Susanti Vijaykumar, Kevin Sun, and Aya Kimata.

DSI Faculty: Grace Kwon, Mari Nakano, Stephanie Yim

Chair: Miya Osaki