Producers: Billy Sorrentino, Sarina Roma, Paula Chowles
Tv programs are dedicated to exploring the craft and business of art and design are few and far between. Thank goodness to Netflix for bringing us ‘Abstract: The Art of Design. It is created by former wired editor-in-chief Scott Dadich, who has done a fantastic job by highlighting the various artists in the field of design.
In the first season The Abstract profiles eight different designers, across the spectrum of the disciplines, from interiors to photography.
They tried to cover many major personalities such as Christopher Niemann, Bjarke Ingels, Ralph Gilles, Neri Oxman, Cas Holman, and many others.
The best thing about this series in my perspective is that each episode brings life to the creative world by the following designer through their day-to-day–as this series is as much about the personalities and processes as the final work. Another curious aspect of this series is that some of the subjects chosen to represent their respective field don’t necessarily feel like common choices. It gives a real insight into the artists’ work and their process.
Many people have criticised the series for focusing more on the individual and not enough on the wider design industry. However, I found the insight into their lives, what motivates them, and their opinions the most compelling.
I believe that this series is not just limited to certain audiences but it completely immerses us into the worlds of these creative fields and allows us to witness how these art forms come to life. I feel that the major purpose of this series is to manifest how connected different forms of design are, and the creator has done a beautiful job by explaining it in a very artistic manner.
Abstract: The Art of Design is all about creativity and visionary designers who shape the world around us, and it is binge-worthy. I definitely recommend this series to all because it drives you through an entirely different world of art and design.