Abstract: The Art of Design

I went 30 years without a TV and one of the first shows on Netflix that I watched after getting one was Abstract. Very high quality designers were featured so I thought I'd found a show that I could turn to to watch on a regular basis. Then it was discontinued. I still lament that and wish that whoever was producing, directing, writing the show would do it again. There are so few options in the art and design field. If the powers that be are reading this, please know that you would have a following if enough time were given to the show to get the word out.

The ephemeral nature of the beauty we try to copy vs the lasting impression of experiencing the flow state of creative expression is the endearing and intriguing subject matter, one that the producers explore with varying levels of success.

The first one in the series is my personal favorite for the sheer brilliance of solving the impasse between the interests of toy manufacturers and the urgent need for gender neutral toys.

Highly recommended viewing.

Let's face it, these design episodes are meant to entertain rather than to provoke any intellectual thinking. Some designers are genuinely inspiring (such as Niemann and Devlin), it's just that the way the ideas are presented... it seems to tick all the boxes of clichés in terms of what people think of design. I'm sure if asked the right questions, some of the designers will be more illuminating.

The episode most fraught with clichés and posing? Hands down, Neri Oxman. All the superficial citations of well-known figures and mindless mentions of concepts and stories. And all the love for nature without remotely looking like she gives a d*mn about the conservation of it.

I have been waiting for something like this for so long!!!

This is absolutely a great documentary, great content and great people. I watched episodes multiple times while working on my art as I felt that they are talking my language and sharing my thoughts.

I want to thank the whole team for this documentary and all the artists for sharing info with full transparency with the world. You made me love my work even more!

Thank you " Abstract " team. Design is for everyone. CAN'T WAIT for the new season!

hj

I wish I saw these masterminds and master-do'ers when I was 10..11..14

Talking series: visuals, narrative, sound... it's great.

Oh my the content!!! I'm especially blown away by Neri Oxman and Bjarke Ingels. People I did not know and truly amaze!

This is educational material for philosophical classes, biology, technical classes, psychology, sociology or to impress 10 year old kids and possibly make a life changing imprint. It shows assertiveness, motivational power, creativity and connectivity

WOOOOOW