Instagram story viewer> @__karastudio__> Tagged
Kanaka Raghavan(@__karastudio__)'s profile avatar HD Profile

Kanaka Raghavan

@__karastudio__

undefined
POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED
ABWAB is Dubai Design Week’s annual commissioning platform, supporting emerging creative talent from across the region and beyond. Each year, the programme offers practitioners an opportunity to explore new ideas, challenge conventional approaches to design and develop original commissions that respond to contemporary cultural and social contexts. For its 2026 edition, ABWAB takes on a new form, moving from its established pavilion format into a curated group exhibition that brings together five distinct creative practices in dialogue within a shared space. Titled In Other Words, the exhibition considers language beyond speech and writing, exploring how knowledge, memory and meaning are communicated through material, form, gesture, image and the spaces we inhabit. Bringing together Dalia Rafeh, Grace Shieh, Kanaka Raghavan, UBIK and VARUSSI the exhibition presents five newly commissioned, site-specific works that explore what is made visible, what remains unspoken, and how meaning is translated, inherited and transformed. Together, the works invite audiences to experience language in unexpected ways, revealing how our understanding can shift depending on where we stand, how we move and what we bring to an encounter. Curated by Caoimhe CJ Reynolds and Alexie Glass-Kantor, with Faham and Tripod Global as material supporters.
2
Download
“The classes were very well-structured. Kimya led us through the script’s history, its present-day applications, and future possibilities in impressive depth, while the guest lectures added invaluable insights. Her patience helped me overcome several design challenges, and the course offered a rewarding re-introduction to a script I grew up with yet knew so little about. It has inspired me to explore designing and using more Devanagari typefaces—an exciting evolution in my practice.” — Kanaka Raghavan Whether you’re new to Devanagari or rediscovering a script you grew up with, join Kimya Gandhi for the fourth edition of Devanagari One: Introduction to the Script. 🚀 Enrollment is now open!� 📅 October 9–November 17, 2026� Online · Six weeks Explore the course and sign up at practicaprogram.com. Link in bio. #DevanagariOne #Devanagari #TypeDesign #StudentTestimonial #KimyaGandhi #PracticaProgram
2
Download
How do we figure out if the healing techniques are working? Window of tolerance - a threshold in which we can take healthy stress, helps us understand it (Dan Siegel). It helps us identify how reactive or emotionally numb we are getting under different circumstances. The amazing illustration is by Kanaka Raghavan, @__karastudio__ . . [Trauma Nation, Intergenerational Trauma, Emotional Healing, Mental Health India, Psychological Trauma, Trauma Awareness, Generational Patterns, Healing Journey]
3
Download
What do we inherit from the people before us besides memories and stories? Sometimes it’s fear. Sometimes silence. Sometimes patterns we don’t even realise we’re carrying. Sometimes survival patterns and intergenerational resilience. And I will talk about that soon :) P.S. It was found that children of Holocaust survivors had higher PTSD compared to peers whose parents had not undergone a historical tragedy. We need more studies on the psychological imprints of our shared history. The beautiful illustration you saw of unresolved intergenerational trauma was by Kanaka Raghavan. . . . [Trauma Nation, Intergenerational Trauma, Emotional Healing, Mental Health India, Psychological Trauma, Trauma Awareness, Generational Patterns, Healing Journey]
37
Download
When I was first offered an opportunity to teach I was 26. I didn’t think anyone would take me seriously. I didn’t know if I could even ‘teach’. I’ve said before how over the years my outlook towards teaching changed and that enabled me to explore this field. Living in Mumbai I had the chance to teach at various institutes – Symbiosis, Pearl Academy, ISDI, MIT, NIFT. I enjoyed sharing whatever I could, meeting so many students over the years and strongly believe in the role of reinventing design education in India for learning Indian scripts. I am so glad to now have the platform of @practicatype to continue this journey online. Every year I’m more inspired to keep going. Thank you @solmatas @nicoledotin for having me. Thank you to this years visiting instructors @lianghai , Vaibhav Singh, and @lipi.xyz for sharing your learning and contributing to the course. And a big thank you to the batch of Devanagari Two for trusting me and coming along for this ride! We saw some fantastic projects at end of the three month course! My mother was a teacher. I grew up seeing her relationship with her students. She was a passionate and approachable educator. I wish she was around to see me in this role. I would like to believe she would have enjoyed it. ❤️
4
Download
🎉 Congrats, Devanagari One graduates of 2025! 🎓 Over the past 6 weeks, this group explored the forms, structure, and rhythm of the Devanagari script—with curiosity, creativity, and dedication. Swipe to see a few beautiful in-progress lettering pieces created during the course—and a peek at our final session with @kimyagandhi, closing with an important reminder: Keep drawing letters! ✍️💛 #DevanagariOne #TypeDesign #TypographyEducation #DevanagariScript #PracticaProgram #TypeCommunity #KeepDrawingLetters
4
Download
WARNING! GRAPHIC CONTENT! This Monday was MDX DUBAI'S Graphic Design grad show, and it did not disappoint! The students had some outstanding concepts and prototypes on display that highlighted their creative thinking and problem solving. Well done and congratulations! #middlesexuniversitydubai @middlesexdubai
0
Download
Showcasing 12 artworks selected through an open call, Memory Box by Tasmeem is free and open to the public at ICD Brookfield Place! As we transition from childhood to adulthood, the experiences and narratives we encounter shape our existence. This year's exhibition explores the folkloric tales, dances, music, proverbs, and games integral to our upbringing, revealing the shared experiences that thread through our lives. Through visually compelling representations, this exhibition captures the essence of these cultural treasures, illustrating how they weave the tapestry of our collective heritage and emphasizing the interconnection of our individual narratives. Tasmeem is an annual graphic design and poster show conceptualized by @icdbrookfieldplace Arts & Events, that aims to expand upon the discourse and display of graphic design for upcoming and established regional talent. Make sure to view Memory Box on display now through August 30th! Learn more at the link in our bio.
2
Download
• Memory Box • UAE 🇦🇪 ‎من الطفولة واحنا نكبر، التجارب اللي نخوضها هي اللي ‎تشكّل هويّاتنا‎ معرض صندوق الذكريات في نسخته الثالثة يستعرض عناصر الفولكلور و دوره في صناعة التراث الغني الذي يعد جزءا لا يتجزأ من مراحل نموّنا المعرفية، الحكايات والرقصات والموسيقى والأمثال والألعاب المنسوجة في وعينا الجماعي 🗃️🌟 ‎وهالنسيج التراثي يأكّد على ترابط رواياتنا الفردية وتجاربنا الحية وهذا يعزّز تقدير أعمق للإنسانية المشتركة اللي تتجاوز الاختلافات الفردية يضم المعرض 12 عمل فني ويفتتح يوم الخميس 27 يونيو في الساعة 7 مساءً في دبي - ICD Brookefield Place As we grow from childhood to adulthood, the experiences and stories we encounter profoundly shape our lives and identities. This year’s exhibition, hosted for the third time at Dubai’s ICD Brookfield Place, explores the rich folkloric heritage that is integral to our upbringing - the tales, dances, music, proverbs, and games that are woven into our collective consciousness. Titled “Memory Box”, the exhibition features 12 artworks that were selected through an open call process. Hosted by Tasmeem, is open to the public, inaugurating on Thursday, June 27th at 7PM. Poster design by \ @leen.alb illustration by \ @lamak.designs At \ @icdbrookfieldplace Exhibiting Artists: Adnan Arif & Lena Kassicieh: @adnanmakes @lena.kassicieh Dana Al Sheyyab: @danaiguess Hala Al Afsaa: @hala_alafsaa Hessa Naser Alkhanji: @hessasdesignstudio Kanaka Raghavan: @_karastudio_ Mahynour Sawa: @mahynourrelsawa Marina Nader Asham: marina.naderasham Mezna Suwaidan: @mezna.art Sarah Khorbtli:@sarah.mograph Shoug Abdullah Almutairi: @g_shoug Toka Assal: @toka_artworks Waleed Abodouh Mohamed: @waleedabodouh Re:Solid is a platform to celebrate & feature all-things-design locally, regionally and globally. From bold brands to special spaces, from exceptional experiences to delightful directions and from fabulous photography to peculiar pop-ups #supportlocaltalents Share your inspirations and work using #resolid
5
Download
Last year in my final year at uni, one of my projects was to enter the @istdworldwide competition for student typography. I chose one of the 5 briefs, Open|Close, where I had to select an out of copyright novel and start pulling apart the meaning and details from the text in only the first and last chapters. I chose Rebecca, by Daphne du Maurier. I read the book, listened to the audiobook and watched the 2020 film; and did a mega amount of research on the era, author and novel, which helped influence the choices of typefaces I used to put together my 50 spread book, building tension and revealing the truth about the mysteries within this haunting tale. It was an insanely in depth project, not only making the end piece, but all the research, the sketchbook work, trials and versions through experimentation physically and on screen (I think I got to version 14 or 15 in the end!), printing out and sellotaping each spread to the uni classroom wall to live with it and then stapling drafts together to check how the pace flowed by hand, and creating minute detailed specifications on the positioning of each element on the spreads and justifying why I chose specific typefaces for the characters due to their stroke/weight/height etc., why I chose the paper stock and then wrote a small essay on the whole process. What a ride! I found out I was accepted into the International Society of Typographic Designers, and was awarded a Merit for my work 🥳 I want to thank my lecturer @__karastudio__ for helping tutor me through it, you were my rock and always had time for me to show you yet another version 🙈 I also want to thank @democraticlight for helping from afar, although you left us for Vietnam, you still gave a lot of time to give your feedback and I appreciate that so much (miss you bruv!) Also I want to say thank you to @margo4design and @dimovalev for cheerleading from the sidelines when you knew I was at my wits end. Love you guys 🩷
5
Download
Happy to finally announce that @laurendesign_ from Batch 22-23 and @__karastudio__ (Kanaka Raghavan) have been awarded a Merit by the International Society of Typographic Designers ISTD, a significant accolade in the field of typography and design education. The ISTD distinguishes itself by evaluating the comprehensive design process in its Student Assessment Scheme, rather than just the final product. And winning a merit is recognising Lauren’s dedication and meticulous approach to her project, reflecting her outstanding skill and hard work. We’re truly elated and extremely proud over her accomplishment; it’s a significant moment for her, and our university Middlesex University Dubai highlighting the high standards and global importance of the @istdworldwide assessments. Lauren approached her brief project on “Open|Close” by creating detailed mind maps and researching the “Rebecca” novel, its era’s societal mood, and relevant art movements to inform her design decisions. She carefully selected typefaces from 1926-1939 to align with the novel’s publication and immersed herself in “Rebecca” through its audiobook, book, and a 2020 film adaptation, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the text. She put in consistent effort to capture the novel’s essence and emotional narrative in her typographic explorations. It was a pleasure working and winning this merit with her. We would also like to thank @democraticlight (Eddie Ryan)being there for us every step of the way, offering his constant support and expert typographic eye throughout the project all the way from Hanoi! And a big thank you to @margotummel for cheering us on Congratulations team! 😊 #istd #typography #studentassessments #merit #experimentaltype #gdmdx
5
Download
I had the great opportunity to be a speaker at the second edition of THAT Design Fest '24, an MDX Dubai global graphic design conference tailored exclusively for students at Middlesex University in Dubai. Huge, warm thanks to @__karastudio__ for inviting me over and for the entire team effort. Thanks everyone for listening to what I have to say and for giving me this opportunity. 💓
10
Download
back to up