A never-seen-before exhibition combining art and design is set to take over the NGV this summer.

Art and design, Escher and nendo – a new exhibition titled Between Two Worlds | Escher x nendo is set to be a highlight of the summer exhibition calendar at the National Gallery of Victoria. The show will feature some 160 works by the late Dutch artist, M.C. Escher, with the exhibition space designed by the prolific Japanese studio, nendo. 

The space will be an immersive experience, intertwining the two worlds of art and design. The show will play host to the largest collection of drawings by Escher, coming from the Gemeentemuseum in The Hague. Known for intricately detailed optical illusions, the work of Escher stands as an icon of the 20th Century. The exhibition is a first for Australia and will highlight the artists’ entire career from 1916, through to 1969. 

The exhibition will showcase the largest collection of Escher’s work in Australia.

Nendo will use the artwork as a point of inspiration, running with the themes found in the artists’ work to create a completely interactive experience. By manipulating geometries, proportion, perception and space, visitors will be shown a landscape in which to view the iconic work in a never-before-seen exhibition.

When commenting on the new show, the NGV’s director Tony Ellwood explained, “Between Two Worlds | Escher X nendo, which will showcase the consummate skill and unique vision of both artist and designer.” 

Japanese design studio nendo, headed up by Oki Sato will execute a never-before-seen design to house the work of Escher.

It’s this equal importance placed on both art and design that sets this exhibition apart. The execution of the show through an entirely new and experimental design is set to elevate the art of Escher, showing the inherent value that design has to surprise, delight and inspire.

Between Two Worlds | Escher X nendo will run from 2 December 2018 to 7 April 2019 at NGV International.

We recently sat down with Oki Sato, the founder of nendo to talk about his practice and latest design releases.