‘I’m an everythingist’: How Es Devlin became the go-to for Beyoncé gigs, fashion runways and the Olympics
The Londoner is the set designer big names turn to for eye-popping spectacle. As a new retrospective opens, she gives the Guardian a glimpse at her studio
TL;DR
- Es Devlin is a prominent British artist and set designer known for creating large-scale spectacles for diverse clients, including major pop stars, opera companies, and international events.
- A new retrospective, 'Es Devlin: Other Worlds', at the Design Museum in London showcases 30 years of her work in sculpture, film, and installation.
- Devlin embraces the label 'everythingist,' reflecting her wide-ranging interests and collaborations across various creative fields.
- Her work often incorporates leitmotifs such as lines of light, glowing boxes, maps, and symbolic imagery, emphasizing meaning, audience agency, and materiality.
- Devlin's creative process involves deep research and a collaborative approach, with a focus on the human element and storytelling within her designs.