The Jacob Lawrence Gallery presented What Do You Make of This? which features the work of Kristine Matthews, Associate Professor of Design and Chair of the Visual Communication Design program at the University of Washington School of Art + Art History + Design. 
 

Through the exhibition, Matthews contemplates these questions:

Creating visual design for environments presents unique opportunities as well as questions: How can we put new and different materials to work to tell stories better?

Clients often assume that designing in a sustainable way translates to higher cost. Meanwhile designers know that they should be ‘thinking green’ but worry that it will limit their creative solution. Sustainable solutions can be more compelling and often more cost effective than following tradition. 

Can we amplify voices and stories that traditionally have been overlooked? Historically the efforts of designers have been used to support groups with the most resources; i.e. money and power. Designers are trained to direct attention where it is wanted, enabling those clients to extend their influence even further. But designers can put their skills to work for communities and organizations that traditionally have been underserved—shining a spotlight on their stories.

Could we talk with our audience, rather than just talking at them? 

Asking the right questions, and encouraging people to articulate their internal beliefs—or share their personal stories—rather than just passively take in information is powerful. We can help people see themselves and others, and reflect on the similarities and differences they share or don’t share. This is the essence of growth for our society.
 

The exhibit opened on November 7 and ran through December 2, 2023. As part of the UW faculty promotion process, a public lecture by Matthews took place on Thursday, November 16, 2023 , from 6–7 PM in Room 227/229 of the Art building on the UW Seattle campus.