Es Devlin: The 'Everythingist' Artist Shaping Spectacle

British artist and designer Es Devlin, renowned for creating spectacular installations, is the subject of a new retrospective titled 'Es Devlin: Other Worlds' at London's Design Museum. The exhibition, opening on October 2, 2026, and running until April 4, 2027, celebrates three decades of her diverse artistic practice.

Devlin, who proudly identifies as an 'everythingist,' fluidly moves between designing sets for global pop stars like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga, international opera, and major public celebrations. Her work is characterized by a unique fusion of drawing, handicraft, arena-level spectacle, and sociopolitical commentary, earning her numerous accolades and the admiration of art curators and scientists alike.

The retrospective will feature a wide array of her work, including archival drawings, films, and installations. Central to the exhibition is a large circular piece combining significant projects such as the 2021 mirror-maze 'Forest of Us' and the rotating glass box set for 'The Lehman Trilogy'.

Devlin's creative process is deeply rooted in her childhood experiences, where making and inventing were encouraged. This ethos continues in her studio, where she works with a team on projects ranging from Olivia Rodrigo's upcoming arena tour to the British Museum Ball in 2026, for which she is artistic director.

Her work consistently emphasizes the agency of the audience, the importance of materiality, and the concept of portraiture, where each piece serves as both a portrait of the collaborator and a self-portrait. Devlin's ability to draw inspiration from everywhere while maintaining a distinct artistic identity makes her a unique figure in contemporary art and design.