Es Devlin: The 'Everythingist' Shaping the Future of Design

Es Devlin, a luminary in the realms of art and design, is set to guest-edit a special edition of Wallpaper* in celebration of its 30-year anniversary. Known for her breathtaking scenography and installations, Devlin's work transcends traditional boundaries, merging a variety of artistic disciplines and captivating audiences worldwide.

Born in London in 1971, Devlin's journey began in 1996 after exploring multiple academic pathways. Armed with a degree in English literature from Bristol University, she honed her artistic skills at Central Saint Martins and the Motley Theatre Design Course. Over the years, her accolades have included an OBE and CBE, along with numerous Tony and Olivier Awards, affirming her status as a versatile artist.

This October, Devlin’s influence will be spotlighted in Wallpaper*'s anniversary issue, featuring a unique 16-page concertina cover adorned with an iris-like cut-out, reminiscent of her immersive retrospective, An Atlas of Es Devlin, at the Cooper Hewitt Museum in 2024. This collaboration invites readers to delve into her multifaceted creative world.

Describing herself as an 'everythingist,' Devlin draws inspiration from historical figures like Natalia Goncharova, who identified as a polymath over a century ago. She resonates with the expansive curiosity of creative icons such as Leonardo da Vinci and Virgil Abloh, emphasizing the importance of breaking free from conventional labels. 'These days, you need somehow to find permission to be an everythingist because it feels like there's a sort of pressure always to find your thing,' she reflects. 'And actually, maybe the thing is the everything.'

As she prepares for two significant milestones this autumn—the Design Museum's exhibition, 'Other Worlds,' and a new edition of A Concise Atlas of Es Devlin—Devlin is taking time to reflect on her three-decade career. The exhibition, running from October 2, 2026, to April 4, 2027, will offer an intimate look at her studio, showcasing a recreation of her creative space filled with sketches, models, and the intricate connections between her diverse projects.

Devlin views her work as a collection of scenes woven together in a singular narrative. 'I tend to view it as multiple scenes in one script,' she explains, emphasizing the common threads that tie her various endeavors together. The first major UK exhibition dedicated to her work promises an exploration of her imaginative processes, revealing the research and curiosity that fuel her creations.

At the heart of Devlin's practice lies the concept of collaboration. She describes her studio as a 'no-no practice' where ideas are welcomed without immediate rejection. This philosophy was recently put to the test during a production of Wagner's The Flying Dutchman. Initially fixated on a specific stage design, she found new inspiration when engaging with her collaborators, ultimately leading to a transformative vision for the performance.

Devlin's artistic journey is not only about individual expression but also about embracing shared ideas and perspectives. Her love for libraries and literature has shaped her imaginative landscape since childhood, a testament to how foundational texts continue to inform her multifaceted practice.

As Es Devlin steps into a new chapter of her career, she remains committed to her 'everythingist' ethos, encouraging others to explore beyond traditional boundaries. With her upcoming projects, audiences can expect to be amazed by the wonders she continues to create.

Source: www.wallpaper.com