Es Devlin's "Other Worlds" Exhibition Opens at Design Museum
Es Devlin's groundbreaking solo exhibition, "Other Worlds," at the Design Museum in London, encapsulates three decades of the artist's imaginative and diverse practice. From a vast, rotating literary sculpture to intricate stage designs and thought-provoking installations, the retrospective invites visitors into the creative universe of one of the most influential designers of our time. This immersive presentation not only highlights Devlin's significant contributions to the fields of art and performance but also offers a rare glimpse into her personal creative process.
Artist Es Devlin Unveils Retrospective at London's Design Museum
On October 2nd, 2026, the Design Museum in London opened its doors to "Es Devlin: Other Worlds," the first major European retrospective dedicated to the acclaimed artist and designer. The exhibition, running until April 4th, 2027, is curated by Johanna Agerman Ross, Danielle Thom, and Margherita Dosi Delfini, in close collaboration with Es Devlin and her studio.
A centerpiece of the exhibition is "An Infinite Library," a mesmerizing, eight-meter-wide triangular bookshelf that gracefully rotates above a circular mirror. This monumental sculpture houses over 2,000 books, some sourced directly from Devlin's own studio, including notable titles like James Gleick's "Chaos," Toni Morrison's "Beloved," and Margaret Atwood's "Oryx and Crake." The books are meticulously arranged by color, adding a striking visual dimension to this literary archive. Projections animate the shelves, while Devlin's own voice reads excerpts, creating an auditory and visual spectacle in the exhibition's final room.
The journey through Devlin's creative evolution commences with a meticulous recreation of her South London studio. This intimate space, filled with books, maquettes, drawings, tools, and paint-splattered desks, offers a profound insight into her working methods and inspirations. From this personal起点, the exhibition traces the development of her renowned works, spanning theatrical sets, museum installations, and grand concert stages.
Further into the galleries, a series of concentric desks display an extensive archive of drawings, photographs, and more than 30 models from Devlin's design process. Highlights include conceptual works for "The Lehman Trilogy," the London 2012 Olympics closing ceremony, and "Forest of Us" in Miami. Visitors can observe how initial sketches and collages from her school years evolved into large-scale projects that commanded arenas, demonstrating the enduring power of her foundational ideas.
The exhibition also features a captivating reinstallation of "Come Home Again," a work previously showcased outside Tate Modern four years prior. This installation, with its intricate cut-out drawings of endangered species, once illuminated a structure resembling a section of St Paul’s Cathedral’s dome. At the Design Museum, it finds a new context beneath a mirrored ceiling, which dramatically alters the perception of its dense imagery of moths, birds, and plants. This library installation follows three previous sculptural libraries created in Milan, Miami, and Yorkshire, marking the first time this series has been housed within a museum setting. Following the exhibition's conclusion, the books, generously provided by Penguin Random House UK, will be donated to local schools and charities, extending the project's impact beyond the museum walls.
Es Devlin's "Other Worlds" is more than just an exhibition; it is an invitation to explore the boundless creativity of a visionary artist. It highlights the intricate connections between personal inspiration, meticulous process, and monumental realization, offering a rich and contemplative experience for all who visit. The retrospective underscores Devlin's unique ability to transform space, light, and narrative into profound and memorable artistic encounters.
This exhibition serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact art and design can have on our perception of the world. Devlin's ability to blend literature, architecture, and technology to create immersive experiences challenges conventional boundaries and inspires a deeper engagement with both personal narratives and global issues, such as environmental conservation. The commitment to donating the books after the exhibition further exemplifies the project's dedication to community and the enduring power of knowledge and creativity.