Es Devlin on Her Design Museum Retrospective: 'Things Start in Really Simple Gestures'

In an exclusive video interview with Dezeen, British artist and stage designer Es Devlin reflects on her first European retrospective, 'Es Devlin: Other Worlds,' at London's Design Museum. Devlin, known for her large-scale sculptural stage sets for artists like Beyoncé, The Weeknd, and U2, reveals that her ambitious projects often begin with humble origins. 'Things start in really simple gestures,' she says, emphasizing that monumental works can emerge from basic sketches or everyday observations. The retrospective showcases over 30 years of her career, featuring sketches, models, and immersive installations that trace the evolution of her ideas from concept to global spectacle. Devlin discusses how her practice bridges art, design, and performance, creating environments that challenge perceptions of space and narrative. The exhibition, running until August 2025, offers visitors a rare glimpse into her creative process, including never-before-seen personal notebooks and prototypes. Devlin hopes the show inspires others to recognize the power of small beginnings in their own creative journeys. As she continues to push the boundaries of stage design and public art, her message remains clear: grand visions are born from simple, human moments.