Ghoreishi, Setareh

This thesis project will explore the role of visual design in the interaction of two different
cultures from two extremely different countries: Iran and the United States of America. Each has
a particular politic relation to each other in history. I want to explore design’s role comparatively
in illustrating and displaying the visual cultural subjects of both countries, their communication,
and how the two cultures impact each other. Some of the effects on culture are integrated with
technology and tradition too. Particularly tradition, which is part of the root of one’s culture,
slowly becomes obsolete due to turning into technology and becoming modern. So sometimes
we encounter with exchanging or replacing cultures. Moreover, since social culture and personal
culture play a crucial role in personal identity, assimilating with a different society brings about
various identities too. In my opinion immigrant people such as myself, as an international student
from Iran, are a good example to represent the clash and combination of two cultures and how
one adapts and work in accord these cultures. The overall intent of this project is to utilize
graphic design to design of series of seven to ten objects as a product packages or consumer
artifacts along with advertisement based on visualizing the communication and interaction of
these specific countries’ culture. It will demonstrate similarities and differences through visual
comparison, collation, and confronting of cultural and social elements through the visual
language and the tools of design.

This thesis uses graphic design to explore the experience of an individual attempting to

bridge two countries’ distinctly different cultures: Iran and the United States. Each has a particular political relation to the other in history. I am using graphic design as a tool to compare specific and various aspects of the two cultures and how these aspects impact each other based on my personal experience. I use design to explore my place in between two cultures and as a way to make sense of the exchange or replacement of culture that I perceive. Another aspect of my thesis emphasizes how western influences and technology are altering or eradicating traditions in Iran. This thesis demonstrates collation and confrontation of cultural and social elements through the application of design to a set of culturally symbolic objects. The goal is to utilize graphic design tools to elevate awareness about illustrating the cultural and traditional aspects of the two countries.