Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
If you want to just mellow out and relax this weekend, then I have the perfect watch for you. Planet Earth taught us about the many marvelous wonders of our planet. Chef’s Table introduced us to the exclusive and complicated world of professional chefs. Cooked dove into the history and evolution of food. And now Abstract: The Art of Design, Netflix’s newest docu-series about some of the world’s greatest designers, can be added to that list of low-key educational docs.
Much like Chef’s Table, Abstract is composed of eight 40 to 50 minute episodes, each of which follows a different designer. Abstract’s subjects specialize in a variety of different art forms, from car and shoe design to photography and editorial covers. However, what makes this series remarkable is the level of expertise from each episode’s subject. Abstract takes great care in selecting which revolutionary artist to focus on, choosing designers who have disrupted their own fields. Yet despite the fact the docu-series covers everything from graphic design to interior decoration, there’s a peaceful unity to every episode of the series. Abstract will cheerfully teach you about the history and evolution of design, but it will do it in such a way that you could comfortably watch it on a weeknight.
In its own quiet and pointed way, Abstract weaves together a story, explaining the often unseen societal implications and influences on the world of design. For example, Episode 6 focuses on graphic designer Paula Scher, who was behind the legendary rebranding of The Public Theater in New York. She’s worked on several iconic New York projects throughout her career, including projects for MoMA, the Metropolitan Opera, and the New York Ballet. However, in her episode Scher reveals that she feels clients are still hesitant to work with her, despite her impressive profile, solely because she’s a woman.
Stage designer Es Devlin is another immensely interesting subject. Devlin, who is best known for designing the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony, has worked on everything from Benedict Cumberbatch’s run in The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Hamlet to Kanye West and Jay Z’s ‘Watch the Throne’ tour. Hearing Devlin explain how stage design and music journalism has adapted to fit social media is fascinating. Abstract does a great job of taking the mundane elements of design and explaining them in a way that makes the medium and art as a whole make more sense.
If you’re looking for something low-key to watch this weekend while you treat yourself to a glass of wine, check out this docu-series about some of the most innovative and influential artists of our time. It’s the perfect inspirational watch if you’re planning a big art project, but more than that, it’s a great recharge binge.
