Made for TV: Netflix takes on the world of design
In a new eight-part series titled Abstract: The Art of Design, the television titan explores the works of the world's top creatives




Netflix will give the design world the "Chef's Table" treatment, as a new series offering unprecedented insight into some of the industry's leading names hits the online streaming service on 10 February.
Abstract: The Art of Design will follow the successful formula of the in-house produced foodie docu-series, delving behind the scenes of some of the finest creative minds today, tracing the successes and challenges that have shaped their thinking and remarkable careers.
It is divided into eight programmes, each focusing on a different artist, along the way covering a diverse range of disciplines. The first episode visits the studio of American graphic designer Paula Scher, who began her career creating album covers for Atlantic and CBS Records and later became known for her bold use of typography. The following turns its attention to illustration, as Christoph Niemann explains pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.
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Elsewhere, it goes on set with Platon as he photographs famous names, which in the past have included politicians such as Barack and Michelle Obama, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, as well as celebrities spanning music, film, the arts and more. A different art form altogether is explored with Nike footwear designer Tinker Hatfield, bringing together figures such as the company CEO Mark Parker and NBA champion – and collaborator – Michael Jordan to dissect the impact of his decades-long career.
Other names featured include Ralph Gilles, automotive specialist and former senior vice president of design for Chrysler; Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, whose forward-thinking practice is known for its unconventional take on structure and form; Es Devlin, who has created visual concepts for theatre, pop music, film and fashion shows; and British interior designer Ilse Crawford.
Abstract: The Art of Design is on Netflix from 10 February; netflix.com
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