Three people sit before a table covered in open books, cups of pencils, and lamps. The people face a wall on which is projected imagery of shelves covered in a variety of objects overlaid by two outstretched human arms.

An Atlas of Es Devlin

An Atlas of Es Devlin is the first monographic museum exhibition dedicated to British artist and stage designer Es Devlin (born 1971), who is renowned for work that transforms audiences. Since beginning in small theaters in 1995, she has charted a course from kinetic stage designs at the National Theatre and the Metropolitan Opera to installations at major institutions including the World Expo, Lincoln Center, and the United Nations headquarters. Her sculptures for Olympic Ceremonies, NFL Super Bowl halftime shows, and stadium tours for Beyoncé, The Weeknd, and U2 frame narratives that feel personal at a monumental scale. Over the past decade, she has adapted her craft to address climate and civilizational crises. Her public installations on endangered species and languages have inspired audiences to reimagine their connections to each other and to the planet. She shapes stories in ways that stay with us and reframe our thinking.

These stories often begin in the margins of texts. Devlin’s work is rooted in a lifelong practice of reading and drawing. Sketches and small cardboard models form the seeds of her large-scale architectures. Until now, these drawings, paintings, and sculptures have remained unseen. For this first monographic exhibition of her work, Devlin and the curators dug through her 30-year archive, mapping throughlines that connect her teenage paintings to her stage designs to her contemporary installations. Devlin calls the result an atlas—a collection of maps.

On view November 18, 2023 through August 11, 2024. Reserve your tickets here.

SUPPORT

This exhibition is made possible with major support from Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Generous support is provided by Amita and Purnendu Chatterjee, Lisa Roberts and David Seltzer, Kimberly Schuessler, and Morgan M. Schuessler, Jr.

Support is also provided by the Arthur F. & Alice E. Adams Charitable Foundation, the August Heckscher Exhibition Fund, the Barbara and Morton Mandel Design Gallery Endowment Fund, Disguise Technologies, the Esme Usdan Exhibition Endowment Fund, the Lemberg Foundation, and the Lily Auchincloss Foundation.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The exhibition was curated by Andrea Lipps, Associate Curator of Contemporary Design and Head, Digital Curatorial Department, and by Julie Pastor, Curatorial Assistant.

Curatorial interns and fellows assisted with research and development: Madelyn Colonna, Bailey de Vries, Barbara Kasomenakis, and Sophie Scott.

Exhibition Design and Fabrication by Es Devlin Studio and Pink Sparrow. Graphic Design by Morcos Key. Creative Production by Jo MacKay. Projection and Video Design by Luke Halls Studio. Composition and Sound Design by Polyphonia. Lighting Design by Bruno Poet and John Viesta. Audiovisual Production and Integration by AV&C.

Installation Views

Three people sit before a table covered in open books, cups of pencils, and lamps. The people face a wall on which is projected imagery of shelves covered in a variety of objects overlaid by two outstretched human arms.
Installation view of two white walls: on the left wall is a paragraph of black text in uniform font and on the right wall is smaller text that surrounds a large circular cutout revealing layers of other walls behind it with similar cutouts placed off-center. Viewers in the space can look through this wall into another room.
A gallery wall is covered in drawings and paintings of a variety of sizes and colors.
A model of a traditional theater auditorium is situated in a wooden box. Within the proscenium is an oval image containing a white circle and red and blue tones.
A floor-to-ceiling screen in a gallery depicts abstract footage of a mirrored space.
A gallery wall covered with tightly place papers depicting imagery in a variety of colors. A table covered in papers and a lamp appears before the wall.

Objects from the Exhibition

Photograph of a large, white installation depicting a cityscape; a person has access to the installation through a square cutout and makes adjustments to it.

Construction photograph, Memory Palace
Installed 2016, Copeland Park, Peckham, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Top view of a person’s arms and hands drawing at a work table surrounded by drawings, books, and a geometric sculpture.

Es Devlin sketching

, still from 2020 BBC Culture in Quarantine Masterclass
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A wall of a gallery is covered with drawings and paintings of various sizes and colors.

Es Devlin, Archive Unboxed installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
A gallery wall is covered in drawings and paintings of a variety of sizes and colors.

Es Devlin, Archive Unboxed installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Photo by Es Devlin Studio
View from the right of a large-scale collage of artworks and sketchbooks pinned to a white wall. Some works are black and white whereas most are in color. Most of the imagery depicts figures, faces, and geometric forms.

Es Devlin, Archive Unboxed installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Straightforward view of a large-scale collage of artworks and sketchbooks pinned to a white wall. Some works are black and white whereas most are in color. Most of the imagery depicts figures, faces, and geometric forms.

Es Devlin, Archive Unboxed installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
A person is seated in a red chair at a large table covered in books and print materials; other people are shown looking at the walls of the room that are covered in pages with colorful images and text.

Es Devlin, Book Unbound installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Two people are shown looking at two walls covered in a series of square pages with text and images that are lined up next to each other.

Es Devlin, Book Unbound installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Two walls are shown in the background covered in square pages featuring text and images that are lined up next to each other. In the foreground is a large wooden table covered in more print materials, illuminated by a lamp; several red chairs surround the table.

Es Devlin, Book Unbound installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Series of square pages pinned to a wall featuring some text but mostly images. They are lined up next to each other in rows and are organized by color: at the top are red images followed by yellow ones, followed by blue imagery, and eventually leading to the pages with text towards the bottom.

Es Devlin, Book Unbound installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Photo by Es Devlin Studio
A gallery wall covered with tightly place papers depicting imagery in a variety of colors. A table covered in papers and a lamp appears before the wall.

Es Devlin, Book Unbound installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Photo by Es Devlin Studio
Installation view of a white rectangular bench on a wooden floor, facing a white wall with moving black-and-white projections on it.

Es Devlin, Films installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
A floor-to-ceiling screen in a gallery depicts abstract footage of a mirrored space.

Es Devlin, Films installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Photo by Es Devlin Studio
A figure is seen from behind looking at a long white wall with an image of a person in a white room next to a white chair being projected onto the wall.

Es Devlin, Films installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Photo by Es Devlin Studio
A figure is seen from behind looking at a long white wall divided into three rows of squares; projected onto the wall is a tunnel bathed in red light.

Es Devlin, Films installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Photo by Es Devlin Studio
Installation view of two white walls: on the left wall is a paragraph of black text in uniform font and on the right wall is smaller text that surrounds a large circular cutout revealing layers of other walls behind it with similar cutouts placed off-center. Viewers in the space can look through this wall into another room.

Es Devlin, Iris installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Installation consisting of a series of layered walls with circular windows, the windows overlapping to create the look of concentric crescent moons. Names and lines are drawn in black on the walls.

Es Devlin, Iris installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Installation consisting of a series of layered walls with circular windows, the windows overlapping to create the look of concentric crescent moons. Names and lines are drawn in black on the walls.

Es Devlin, Iris installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Three people sit before a table covered in open books, cups of pencils, and lamps. The people face a wall on which is projected imagery of shelves covered in a variety of objects overlaid by two outstretched human arms.

Es Devlin, Studio installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Photo by Es Devlin Studio
A model of a traditional theater auditorium is situated in a wooden box. Within the proscenium is an oval image containing a white circle and red and blue tones.

Es Devlin, Theater in a Box installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Photo by Jason Ardizzone-West
A figure is seen from behind looking into a large wooden crate in which a theater space is recreated with a projection on the theater screen of three white rooms lined up next to each other with a figure in each.

Es Devlin, Theater in a Box installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Photo by Es Devlin Studio
A group of people sit on different wooden crates facing a larger crate in which a theater space is recreated with projections of light on the theater screen.

Es Devlin, Theater in a Box installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Photo by Jason Ardizzone-West
White model of a face suspended in air; blue and pink wavy lines are projected onto the surface of the face.

Es Devlin, Model, Abel’s Mask

, 3D-printed resin, recreated for exhibition.
Staged 2018, The Weeknd Coachella Festival, Indio, California, USA
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
White model of a face suspended in air; purple light is projected onto the surface of the face.

Es Devlin, Model, Abel’s Mask

, 3D-printed resin, recreated for exhibition.
Staged 2018, The Weeknd Coachella Festival, Indio, California, USA
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
White model of a face suspended in air; red light is projected onto the surface of the face.

Es Devlin, Model, Abel’s Mask

, 3D-printed resin, recreated for exhibition.
Staged 2018, The Weeknd Coachella Festival, Indio, California, USA
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
White spherical model with white light glowing from within is suspended in space. A rectangular cutout and several line cutouts appear in light and create delicate light projections on the surrounding surfaces.

Es Devlin, Model, Atlas

, 3D-printed resin and LED, recreated for exhibition.
By Meredith Monk, staged 2019, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles, California, USA
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
White model of a face with short hair and mouth wide open facing the viewer; a long tongue extends from the base of the mouth downwards to the right. White light is glowing from inside the model revealing a small figure standing at the start of the tongue.

Es Devlin, Model, Bangerz

, 3D-printed resin, recreated for exhibition.
Staged 2014, Miley Cyrus World Arena Tour
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Model of a face with its mouth wide open and a long tongue extending downwards to the right. A colorful projection makes the hair blond and tongue pink. White light is glowing from inside the model revealing a small figure standing at the start of the tongue.

Es Devlin, Model, Bangerz

, 3D-printed resin, recreated for exhibition.
Staged 2014, Miley Cyrus World Arena Tour
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
White rectangular model decorated with architectural forms which are revealed by the white light glowing from inside; a figure enters the model through a rectangular opening in the bottom left corner.

Es Devlin, Model, Betrayal

, Paint on laser-cut cardstock and LED, recreated for exhibition.
By Harold Pinter, staged 1998, Royal National Theatre, Lyttelton, London, UK
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
White model of two large hands extending upwards from the base; several floating cards are suspended between them and a small figure stands beneath the model for scale. White hand-drawn marks are projected onto the model.

Es Devlin, Model, Carmen

, 3D-printed resin, recreated for exhibition.
By Georges Bizet, staged 2017, Bregenz Festival, Lake Constance, Austria
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Model of two outstretched hands between which playing cards in red suits flutter.

Es Devlin, Model, Carmen

, 3D-printed resin, recreated for exhibition.
By Georges Bizet, staged 2017, Bregenz Festival, Lake Constance, Austria
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Installation view of a cubic model with an illuminated white interior space; projections of drawings illuminate the exterior. A figure stands in the interior space.

Es Devlin, Model, Chimerica

, Acrylic, perforated aluminum, and LED, recreated for exhibition.
By Lucy Kirkwood, staged 2013, Almeida Theatre and Harold Pinter Theatre, London, UK
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Installation view of a cubic model with an illuminated white interior space; projections of photos illuminate the exterior. A figure sits in a chair in the interior space.

Es Devlin, Model, Chimerica

, Acrylic, perforated aluminum, and LED, recreated for exhibition.
By Lucy Kirkwood, staged 2013, Almeida Theatre and Harold Pinter Theatre, London, UK
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Installation view of a cubic model with an illuminated white interior space; projections of drawings illuminate the exterior. A figure stands in the interior space.

Es Devlin, Model, Chimerica

, Acrylic, perforated aluminum, and LED, recreated for exhibition.
By Lucy Kirkwood, staged 2013, Almeida Theatre and Harold Pinter Theatre, London, UK
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
In a dark space, a white domed structure is filled with two-dimensional depictions of various animals layered over each other.

Es Devlin, Model, Come Home Again

, Acrylic and 3D-printed resin.
Installed 2022, Tate Modern lawn, London, UK
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
A flat oval structure with a grid of light on its surface is positioned slightly tilted on a support.

Es Devlin, Model, Compton Super Bowl

, Laser-cut MDF, acrylic, 3D-printed resin, and LED, recreated for exhibition.
Staged 2022, NFL Super Bowl Halftime Show featuring Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, and 50 Cent, SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, California, USA
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
White rectangular model made of repeating layered staircases at different angles; two small figures are standing on different staircases.

Es Devlin, Model, Don Giovanni

, Cardstock, foam core, MDF, and LED, recreated for exhibition.
By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, staged 2014, Royal Opera House, London, UK
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
White model of a circular structure with a winding path in each quadrant. White light is glowing from within the model.

Es Devlin, Model, Five Echoes

, Laser-cut wood and LED, recreated for exhibition.
Installed 2021, Jungle Plaza, Art Basel, Miami Beach, Florida, USA
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Installation view of a model comprising four red-lit cubes lined up next to each other. Inside each cube is a figure playing an instrument.

Es Devlin, Model, Flag: Burning

, Acrylic, mirror paper, mesh, and LED, recreated for exhibition.
Staged 2003, Wire Farewell Performance, Barbican Hall, London, UK
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Installation view of a model comprising four cubes lined up next to each other. Inside each cube is a figure playing an instrument.

Es Devlin, Model, Flag: Burning

, Acrylic, mirror paper, mesh, and LED, recreated for exhibition.
Staged 2003, Wire Farewell Performance, Barbican Hall, London, UK
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Installation view of a model comprising four cubes lined up next to each other. Drawings are projected onto the four surfaces facing the viewer.

Es Devlin, Model, Flag: Burning

, Acrylic, mirror paper, mesh, and LED, recreated for exhibition.
Staged 2003, Wire Farewell Performance, Barbican Hall, London, UK
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Top-view of a rectangular model of a maze-like structure with curved lines and pointed corners; its material is reflecting light throughout the model making many faded lines of light.

Es Devlin, Model, Forest of Us

, Board, foam core, and mirror paper.
Installed 2021, Pace Gallery, Superblue, Miami, Florida, USA
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
White cube model emitting white light; two sides are shown: one with several vertical line cutouts and the other of a brain scan.

Es Devlin, Model, Fundamental

, MDF, acrylic, acetate, and LED, recreated for exhibition.
Staged 2006–07, Pet Shop Boys World Tour
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
A side of a cubic white model, glowing with white light from within, with two silhouette cutouts and an arrow pointing down at each figure.

Es Devlin, Model, Fundamental

, MDF, acrylic, acetate, and LED, recreated for exhibition.
Staged 2006–07, Pet Shop Boys World Tour
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Slightly folded rectangular structure, above black background, with large-scale projection of two opened eyes; inside the structure are faint small figures.

Es Devlin, Model, Hello

, Perforated aluminum, acrylic, gauze, 3D-printed resin, and LED, recreated for exhibition.
Staged 2016–17, Adele World Arena and Stadium Tour
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Slightly folded rectangular structure, above black background, with large-scale projection of two closed eyes; inside the structure are faint small figures.

Es Devlin, Model, Hello

, Perforated aluminum, acrylic, gauze, 3D-printed resin, and LED, recreated for exhibition.
Staged 2016–17, Adele World Arena and Stadium Tour
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Slightly folded rectangular structure, above black background, with large-scale projection of a drawing of two opened eyes; inside the structure are faint small figures.

Es Devlin, Model, Hello

, Perforated aluminum, acrylic, gauze, 3D-printed resin, and LED, recreated for exhibition.
Staged 2016–17, Adele World Arena and Stadium Tour
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Top view of a white model of a small figure at the base of a rectangle with a long fissure running along the middle from which white light glows.

Es Devlin, Model, Howie the Rookie

, Paint on laser-cut MDF and LED, recreated for exhibition.
By Mark O'Rowe, staged 1999, Bush Theatre, London, UK
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
White model of intricate sphere, suspended in space, with straight and curved lines. Light glows from within the model creating shadows of lines in the background.

Es Devlin, Model, Infinite Library

, 3D-printed resin, recreated for exhibition.
Conceived 2017, Competition Entry for Redesign of Old Street Roundabout, London, UK
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Installation view of a horizontal, rectangular model emitting green light; a black horizontal line cuts the rectangle in half.

Es Devlin, Model, Innocence + Experience

, Acrylic and perforated aluminum, recreated for exhibition.
Staged 2015, U2 World Arena Tour
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Installation view of a horizontal, rectangular model emitting white light; a black-and-white illustration of houses is projected on the surface.

Es Devlin, Model, Innocence + Experience

, Acrylic and perforated aluminum, recreated for exhibition.
Staged 2015, U2 World Arena Tour
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Cubic white model with a large circle in the center of one side made of layered cutouts. A tiny figure stands on one of the layers. White light glows from within the cube.

Es Devlin, Model, La Caja Mágica / The Seed

, Paint on laser-cut MDF, acrylic, and LED, recreated for exhibition.
Staged 2010, MTV Europe Music Awards, La Caja Mágica Arena, Madrid, Spain, and 2020, Jubail Mangrove Park, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Cubic white model with white light glowing from within. Two sides are shown: the left one has a tiny figure standing on a small oval cutout in the center and the right has a tiny figure standing on a small rectangle cutout in the bottom right corner.

Es Devlin, Model, La Caja Mágica / The Seed

, Paint on laser-cut MDF, acrylic, and LED, recreated for exhibition.
Staged 2010, MTV Europe Music Awards, La Caja Mágica Arena, Madrid, Spain, and 2020, Jubail Mangrove Park, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
White model of a geometric form that resembles a paper airplane made of small segmented triangles that are translucent; the model is suspended in a white space and is spotlit.

Es Devlin, Model, Legend of the Fall

, Acrylic and laser-cut MDF, recreated for exhibition.
Staged 2017, The Weeknd World Arena Tour
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Installation view of a white model of a geometric horse head, facing right.

Es Devlin, Model, Les Troyens

, Laser-cut MDF, recreated for exhibition.
By Hector Berlioz, staged 2012, Royal Opera House, London, UK
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
White model of a trapezoidal structure with white light glowing from inside, illuminating a bed, figure, and chairs.

Es Devlin, Model, Macbeth

, Paint on MDF, acrylic mirror, and LED, recreated for exhibition.
By Ernest Bloch, after William Shakespeare, staged 2003, Theater an der Wien, Vienna, Austria
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
White model of a trapezoidal structure with a mirrored wall and white light glowing from inside, illuminating a bed and two figures standing on different sides of the space.

Es Devlin, Model, Macbeth

, Paint on MDF, acrylic mirror, and LED, recreated for exhibition.
By Ernest Bloch, after William Shakespeare, staged 2003, Theater an der Wien, Vienna, Austria
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
White model of a trapezoidal structure with a mirrored wall and white light glowing from inside, illuminating two figures sitting at opposite ends of a dining table.

Es Devlin, Model, Macbeth

, Paint on MDF, acrylic mirror, and LED, recreated for exhibition.
By Ernest Bloch, after William Shakespeare, staged 2003, Theater an der Wien, Vienna, Austria
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Against a dark-gray background, an egg-shaped structure is split in half revealing topographical forms in white on the inside.

Es Devlin, Model, Memory Palace

, 3D-printed resin and LED, recreated for exhibition.
Installed 2019–21, Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, London, UK
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Model of a top-view plan for an interior space faces the viewer; it has winding paths, curved lines, and several staircases. White light is reflected throughout the model making many faded lines of light.

Es Devlin, Model, Mirror Maze

, Board, foam core, and mirror paper.
Installed 2016, Copeland Park, Peckham, London, UK
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
An oblong structure with light visible through a small hole is perched upon a small pole.

Es Devlin, Model, Parsifal

, Laser-cut foam, resin, and paint, recreated for exhibition.
By Richard Wagner, staged 2012, Royal Danish Opera, Copenhagen, Denmark
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
A tunnel with an oval shape with a small human figure within it is perched on a tiny rod against a dark-gray background.

Es Devlin, Model, Parsifal

, Laser-cut foam, resin, and paint, recreated for exhibition.
By Richard Wagner, staged 2012, Royal Danish Opera, Copenhagen, Denmark
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Straightforward view of a white model of a roaring lion’s head with red light projected on top.

Es Devlin, Model, Please Feed the Lions

, 3D-printed resin and LED, recreated for exhibition.
Installed 2018, London Design Biennale, Trafalgar Square, London, UK
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Straightforward view of a white model of a roaring lion’s head with red light and pink text projected on top.

Es Devlin, Model, Please Feed the Lions

, 3D-printed resin and LED, recreated for exhibition.
Installed 2018, London Design Biennale, Trafalgar Square, London, UK
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
White model comprising long flat rectangles extending toward the viewer from a hole in the back wall from which white light glows. Together the group of extending rectangles form a circle. At the end of each rectangle is a word projected in white. A small figure stands beneath the model for scale.

Es Devlin, Model, Poem Pavilion

, 3D-printed resin and LED, recreated for exhibition.
Installed 2021–22, UK Pavilion for the World Expo, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
A large-scale white model of a standing figure with extended arms; white light glows from within the model revealing openings in the structure. A much smaller figure stands next to the model for scale.

Es Devlin, Model, Progress

, 3D-printed resin, recreated for exhibition.
Staged 2011, Take That European Stadium Tour
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Top-view of a rectangular model of a rectilinear maze-like structure; its material is reflecting light throughout the model making many faded lines of light.

Es Devlin, Model, Room 2022

, Cardstock and mirror paper.
Installed 2017, Edition Hotel, Art Basel, Miami Beach, Florida, USA
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Model in the general shape of a house and made of a clear material. White light illuminates the seams of the structure. Inside the structure is a small, white model of a dog.

Es Devlin, Model, The Hunt

, Acrylic, laser-cut MDF, two-way mirror, and LED, recreated for exhibition.
By David Farr, after Thomas Vinterberg and Tobias Lindholm, staged 2019, Almeida Theatre, London, UK
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Model in the general shape of a house and made of a clear material. White light illuminates the seams of the structure. Inside the structure is a small, white model of a dog.

Es Devlin, Model, The Hunt

, Acrylic, laser-cut MDF, two-way mirror, and LED, recreated for exhibition.
By David Farr, after Thomas Vinterberg and Tobias Lindholm, staged 2019, Almeida Theatre, London, UK
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Elevated on a thin pole is a model of a midcentury-styled office with a table, chairs, and boxes. The space is inhabited by three small figures.

Es Devlin, Model, The Lehman Trilogy

, Painted MDF, acrylic, cardstock, 3D-printed resin, brass, and LED, recreated for exhibition.
By Stefano Massini and Ben Power, staged 2018, Royal National Theatre, Lyttelton, London, UK, and 2019, Park Avenue Armory, New York, New York, USA
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Elevated on a thin pole is a model of a midcentury-styled office with a table, chairs, and boxes. The space is inhabited by three small figures.

Es Devlin, Model, The Lehman Trilogy

, Painted MDF, acrylic, cardstock, 3D-printed resin, brass, and LED, recreated for exhibition.
By Stefano Massini and Ben Power, staged 2018, Royal National Theatre, Lyttelton, London, UK, and 2019, Park Avenue Armory, New York, New York, USA
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
White model on a circular base of curved arches at different heights and angles forming two differently sized spherical structures, one inside the other. Delicate threads connect the two structures. Light glows from within the model; a figure stands at the edge of the model for scale.

Es Devlin, Model, Your Voices

, Acrylic, filament, nylon thread, and LED, recreated for exhibition.
Installed 2022, Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, New York, USA
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
White model on a circular base of curved arches at different heights and angles forming two differently sized spherical structures, one inside the other. Delicate threads connect the two structures. Light glows from within the model; a figure stands at the edge of the model for scale.

Es Devlin, Model, Your Voices

, Acrylic, filament, nylon thread, and LED, recreated for exhibition.
Installed 2022, Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, New York, USA
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
White model of spiraling pathway divided by curved translucent panels; a white light glows from within the model illuminating three figures walking along the path. The model is tilted toward the viewer.

Es Devlin, Model, Zoetrope

, Acrylic and LED, recreated for exhibition.
Installed 2017–18, Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Installation view of a white model of a large clocktower, resembling Big Ben, that is tilted to the left at an extreme angle, almost laying on its side.

Es Devlin, Model, London Olympics

, 3D-printed resin, recreated for exhibition.
Staged 2012, Closing Ceremony, Olympic Stadium, London, UK
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Diagram showing an architectural structure with a dome-like top mimicking St. Pauls' Cathedral. Four versions of the structure are shown one next to each other; the last one has several red figures inside for scale. Below the diagram is an oval form above a black background; the oval has a red, white, and blue geometric design.

Es Devlin, Rendered study and study model, London Olympics
Staged 2012, Closing Ceremony, Olympic Stadium, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Composite image of Es Devlin—a white woman with long dark hair—holding a laptop that faces the viewer while she looks to the right and gestures, with her hand, toward a blue digital rendition of a floating figure in the foreground.

Es Devlin, Rendered study, Experience + Innocence
Staged 2018, U2 World Arena Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Top-view digital drawing of a circular maze divided into quadrants with glowing light; encircled by handwritten text in white on a black background.

Es Devlin, Rendered study, Five Echoes
Installed 2021, Jungle Plaza, Art Basel, Miami Beach, Florida, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A glowing intricate sphere with many rectilinear structures inside glows against a dark background of city buildings. Some white handwritten text is in the foreground.

Es Devlin, Rendered study, Infinite Library
Conceived 2017, Competition Entry for Redesign of Old Street Roundabout, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Two different outlines of heads in profile face each other. Within each form are sets of stairs and platforms that divide the spaces in several sections. There is a smaller figure in each outline.

Es Devlin, Rendered study, Unknown Soldier
Staged 2018, Royal Opera House, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Black-and-white drawing of a complex geometric structure housed within a polygonal sphere, seen straight on; a much smaller figure stands next to it for scale.

Es Devlin, Rendered study, Your Voices
Installed 2022, Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, New York, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Detailed digital model of a circular structure with spiraling paths and curved walls with handwritten notes throughout.

Es Devlin, Rendered study, Zoetrope
Installed 2017–18, Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Diagram showing multiple depictions of a tower-like structure mimicking Big Ben in black and white with a red figure standing inside the top section. The tower is shown three times standing; the third tower has arrows indicating movement and pointing to two other versions of the same tower that have been slanted to the right. Red text is included throughout the diagram.

Es Devlin, Rendered study, London Olympics
Staged 2012, Closing Ceremony, Olympic Stadium, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Clear case housing a paper sculpture of cutouts and black-and-white illustrations of realistically rendered birds forming the shape of a hand.

Es Devlin, Sculpture, Redraw the Edges of Your Self

, Cut and printed paper, recreated for exhibition.
Published 2022, Poster Series, Back to Earth Exhibition, Serpentine Galleries, London, UK
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Paper sculpture of cutouts and black-and-white illustrations of realistically rendered birds forming the shape of a hand.

Es Devlin, Sculpture, Redraw the Edges of Your Self
Published 2022, Poster Series, Back to Earth Exhibition, Serpentine Galleries, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
White circular model with many layered cutouts inside depicting gears and parts of a body connected by mechanical elements; the drawing of a head is one of the top layers.

Es Devlin, Sculpture, Songs for Sorrow

, Cut, printed paper and MDF, recreated for exhibition.
Released 2009, Casablanca Records
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
A clear case housing five white, rectangular sculptures with abstract cutouts is attached to a wall. A projection of a similar form as the cutouts glows to the right of it.

Es Devlin, Sculptures, Ideas to Forms

, Cut paper and board.
Presented 2020, BBC Culture in Quarantine Masterclass
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Top view of a person at a work table measuring and cutting paper to create curved forms within rectangular sculptures.

Es Devlin, Sculptures, Ideas to Forms

, Cut paper and board.
Presented 2020, BBC Culture in Quarantine Masterclass
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Several objects pinned to a wall: papers with drawings of a face, a translucent cylindrical object, and a sculpture of a face made in a white material.

Es Devlin, Studies, Abel’s Mask

, Graphite on tracing paper and plaster.
Staged 2018, The Weeknd Coachella Festival, Indio, California, USA
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
A pile of differently-sized papers pinned to a wall; one shows a city skyline and another shows a robotic figure.

Es Devlin, Studies, After Hours Til Dawn

, Prints on paper.
Staged 2022, The Weeknd World Arena Tour
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Three equally detailed black-and-white drawings of faces lined up next to each other; the first two are on lighter paper than the third. Each drawing is of a different person; shadows and highlights accentuate their features.

Es Devlin, Studies, Archive Unboxed installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Three black-and-white drawings in different styles of faces lined up next to each other. From left to right, the first is a line drawing of a face wearing glasses looking to the right, the second is a heavily shaded textured drawing of a face looking towards the viewer, and the third is a shaded drawing of a face looking slightly to the right.

Es Devlin, Studies, Archive Unboxed installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Black-and-white drawing of three squares lined up next to each other showing different scenes. From left to right, the first is of a person hanging onto a ledge, the second is a figure sitting on a corner, and the third is a figure about to stomp on a cube they’re holding.

Es Devlin, Studies, Archive Unboxed installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Black-and-white drawing of three squares lined up next to each other showing different scenes. From left to right, the first is of a person in the fetal position, the second is a figure backed into a corner, and the third is a figure holding a cube in front of them.

Es Devlin, Studies, Archive Unboxed installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Three vertical artworks lined next to each other depict a female body from the same angle; the figure is standing and facing left in all three. All three drawings are in green, however, only the last two have black backgrounds.

Es Devlin, Studies, Archive Unboxed installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Three vertical artworks lined next to each other depict a female body from the same angle; the figures are facing left. From left to right, the first is a gray line drawing of a seated person with their hands on their lap, the second is a white line drawing on a black background of a similar figure, and the last is a yellow line drawing on a black background of the same figure.

Es Devlin, Studies, Archive Unboxed installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Four vertical artworks lined next to each other that each depict a female body. From left to right, the first is of a standing silhouette outlined by dripping pink, the second is an orange line drawing of a seated figure on an orange background, the third is a black line drawing of a similar figure on an orange background, and the last is a profile view of a figure seated with a green background.

Es Devlin, Studies, Archive Unboxed installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Paper cutout of an open mouth with pink lips foregrounds a collage of drawings pinned to a wall.

Es Devlin, Studies, Bangerz

, Graphite on paper and prints on foam core.
Staged 2014, Miley Cyrus World Arena Tour
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
A clear case housing two papers with cutouts, a drawing of a domed structure, and a sculpture of the outline of a head profile, lined up next to each other. A projection of a hand drawing a bat glows to the left of the case.

Es Devlin, Studies, Come Home Again and Unknown Soldier
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
A clear case housing three different models; from left to right: a rectilinear maze in a yellow square, a circular maze within a rectangular form, and a form with even smaller rectangles layered together.

Es Devlin, Studies, Don Giovanni and PoemPortraits
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
3D maze pinned to a wall atop a collection of drawings, one of a similar maze.

Es Devlin, Studies, Electric

, Graphite and print on paper, cardstock, and acrylic.
Staged 2013–15, Pet Shop Boys 2013 World Tour
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Drawing of a person from the shoulder up, wearing a detailed, animal-like headdress with horns; depicted in both three-quarter and straight-on views.

Es Devlin, Studies, Electric

, Graphite on cardstock.
Staged 2013–15, Pet Shop Boys 2013 World Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Drawing of a person in a suit wearing a detailed, animal-like headdress with horns; depicted in both profile and three-quarter views.

Es Devlin, Studies, Electric

, Graphite on cardstock.
Staged 2013–15, Pet Shop Boys 2013 World Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Six black-and-white drawings and a clear cube arranged horizontally within a display case

Es Devlin, Studies, Flag: Burning

, Mixed media on paper and acrylic.
Staged 2003, Wire Farewell Performance, Barbican Hall, London, UK
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Collection of papers pinned to a wall with printed text and drawings of people.

Es Devlin, Studies, Fundamental

, Graphite and print on paper.
Staged 2006–07, Pet Shop Boys World Tour
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Collection of drawings pinned to a wall depicting rectangular prisms with eyes.

Es Devlin, Studies, Hello

, Graphite on paper.
Staged 2016–17, Adele World Arena and Stadium Tour
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Two horizontal papers pinned to a wall, each depicting different versions of a house being engulfed by a large wave.

Es Devlin, Studies, Innocence + Experience

, Mixed media on paper.
Staged 2015, U2 World Arena Tour
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
A drawing and photograph side by side depicting the same subject: a black-and-white cube with a maze design on one side and layered circle elements on another side, the internal overlaps and structures creating shadows.

Es Devlin, Studies, La Caja Mágica
Staged 2010, MTV Europe Music Awards, La Caja Mágica Arena, Madrid, Spain
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Several pieces of paper pinned to a wall depicting plans for a paper plane; a similar 3D triangular form is also pinned to the wall.

Es Devlin, Studies, Legend of the Fall

, Graphite on paper, foam and wire.
Staged 2017, The Weeknd World Arena Tour
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
A clear case mounted to a white wall contains a series of papers with drawings and notes as well as a paper airplane and the mask of a human face.

Es Devlin, Studies, Legend of the Fall, After Hours Til Dawn, and Abel’s Mask
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
A clear case housing three white, rectangular models. Each has several intricate cutouts resembling a map.

Es Devlin, Studies, Memory Palace

, Die-cut book and paper.
Installed 2016, Copeland Park, Peckham, London, UK
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
A clear case housing three rectangular objects; from left to right: a white map-like cutout, a white aerial view of a town, and a blue and gray top view of a city.

Es Devlin, Studies, Memory Palace, Free Your Mind, and Die Tote Stadt
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Expressive line drawing of a roaring lion’s head above digitally rendered models of a red lion on a gray rectangular base which is shown from above and from the side.

Es Devlin, Studies, Please Feed the Lions
Installed 2018, London Design Biennale, Trafalgar Square, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Three papers pinned to a wall with a different textured circle in the center of each; from left to right, they are black, gray, and red.

Es Devlin, Studies, Sphere

, Mixed media on paper.
Staged 2023, U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Several drawings pinned to a wall depicting legs, eyes, and a mouth.

Es Devlin, Studies, Witness

, Graphite on paper.
Staged 2017–21, Katy Perry World Arena Tour
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
An opened book that faces the viewer reveals various artworks; on the left is a shaded black-and-white drawing of a face and on the right are several depictions of a female body; some in warm colors and others in black and white.

Es Devlin, Study for book, An Atlas of Es Devlin

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A model of musician Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye’s head made in a white material faces right and sits on a white surface.

Es Devlin, Study model, Abel’s Mask

, 3D-printed plaster.
Staged 2018, The Weeknd Coachella Festival, Indio, California, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
White spherical model with a rectangular cutout along the middle sits on a white surface. A small dark-gray figure stands in the cutout.

Es Devlin, Study model, Atlas
By Meredith Monk, staged 2019, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles, California, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Model of a stage design with a white, blank stage and intricate black and white backdrop of rectilinear and architectural forms, resembling doors and windows.

Es Devlin, Study model, Betrayal
By Harold Pinter, staged 1998, Royal National Theatre, Lyttelton, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Black-and-white digital model of two large hands extending upwards from the base. The left hand holds a cigarette. Several floating cards are suspended between them and small figures stand beneath the model for scale.

Es Devlin, Study model, Carmen
By Georges Bizet, staged 2017, Bregenz Festival, Lake Constance, Austria
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A cubic structure with open sides that are partly obstructed, in a black space. Several figures inside the structure are looking out toward the viewer. Two other figures stand outside of the structure.

Es Devlin, Study model, Chimerica

, Paper and acrylic.
By Lucy Kirkwood, staged 2013, Almeida Theatre and Harold Pinter Theatre, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A blue and gray rectangular model of the top view of a city. Two red figures are included: one is at the bottom left corner and the other stands towards the top right.

Es Devlin, Study model, Die Tote Stadt

, Cardstock, foam core, and 3D-printed acrylic.
By Erich Wolfgang Korngold, staged 2010, Finnish National Opera, Helsinki, Finland
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Top view of a rectilinear model of a maze with a square of space in the middle; there is some green discoloration towards the bottom half of the model.

Es Devlin, Study model, Don Giovanni

, Cardstock and acrylic.
By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, staged 2006, Theater an der Wien, Vienna, Austria
Courtesy of Es Devlin
White model for a stage design with a person’s arm and hand in the foreground showing scale. The model is made of repeating layered staircases at different angles and small figures walking along them; a glowing light illuminates the model from within.

Es Devlin, Study model, Don Giovanni

, Cardstock and foam core.
By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, staged 2014, Royal Opera House, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A complex model with winding and curved lines forming a maze-like design with rising and falling pathways.

Es Devlin, Study model, Forest of Us

, Paper, foam core, and pins.
Installed 2021, Pace Gallery, Superblue, Miami, Florida, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Three sides of a cube that emits light are shown before a black background with an image of a brain scan on one of the sides.

Es Devlin, Study model, Fundamental
Staged 2006–07, Pet Shop Boys World Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Three sides of a cube that emits light are shown before a black background; one side is black with silhouettes of two people standing.

Es Devlin, Study model, Fundamental
Staged 2006–07, Pet Shop Boys World Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Photo of two hands holding a white, three-dimensional triangle; notes and small forms are drawn in white on the photo.

Es Devlin, Study model, Legend of the Fall

, Folded paper.
Staged 2017, The Weeknd World Arena Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Model, made of wood and white materials, of an architectural structure seen from the side. A white rectangle is the base that holds the triangular structure made of horizontal lines. Small figures throughout the model indicate scale.

Es Devlin, Study model, Poem Pavilion
Installed 2021–22, UK Pavilion for the World Expo, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Top view of a model of an architectural structure with a wooden cone form sitting atop a reflective base that has rounded lines.

Es Devlin, Study model, Poem Pavilion
Installed 2021–22, UK Pavilion for the World Expo, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A rectangular maze of white curved lines that spiral in circles; lines of text on the surface beneath the maze mimic these curves.

Es Devlin, Study model, PoemPortraits

, Cardstock, paper, and board.
Installed 2017–ongoing, Serpentine Galleries, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Model for a stage design with a basic structure in the shape of a house on the stage, within which a group of figures in suits are standing. The dark backdrop is cut horizontally by a line of white light.

Es Devlin, Study model, The Hunt
By David Farr, after Thomas Vinterberg and Tobias Lindholm, staged 2019, Almeida Theatre, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Sculpture of the outline of a head in profile, facing left, made of layers of a white material. Within the main structure are two sets of stairs and several platforms dividing the space in three sections.

Es Devlin, Study model, Unknown Soldier

, Foam core and board.
Staged 2018, Royal Opera House, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
White cubic model that is split in half, vertically, and slightly parted; light glows from within the model revealing a small figure at the base of the opening.

Es Devlin, Study model, Dynamic Cube
MDF, acrylic, and LED.
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
White cubic model that is split in half, vertically, and slightly parted; light glows from within the model.

Es Devlin, Study model, Dynamic Cube
MDF, acrylic, and LED.
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Long horizontal rectangle suspended in a dark space. On the surface is a black background with white lines and marks; a large crescent moon in the center emits light.

Es Devlin, Study model, Perforated Screen
Laser-cut MDF and LED
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
A clear case houses two white rectangular objects, each with three-dimensional, branch-like forms on them in pastel colors.

Es Devlin, Study models, Forest of Us

, Paper, foam core, and pins.
Installed 2021, Pace Gallery, Superblue, Miami, Florida, USA
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
A clear case mounted on a white wall contains a series of box-like forms with metallic interiors. In the far right of the case is a larger rectangular form with a fractured metallic surface.

Es Devlin, Study models, Mirror Maze

, Board, cardstock, and mirror paper.
Installed 2016, Copeland Park, Peckham, London, UK
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
A clear case housing two different models; from left to right: a circular maze within a rectangular form and a form with even smaller rectangles layered together.

Es Devlin, Study models, PoemPortraits

, Cardstock, paper, mirror, and board.
Installed 2017–ongoing, Serpentine Galleries, London, UK
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Contour drawing of a face, facing the viewer, with vertical lines throughout.

Es Devlin, Study, Abel’s Mask

, Graphite on tracing paper.
Staged 2018, The Weeknd Coachella Festival, Indio, California, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Contour drawing of a face in profile with vertical lines throughout.

Es Devlin, Study, Abel’s Mask

, Graphite on tracing paper.
Staged 2018, The Weeknd Coachella Festival, Indio, California, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Drawing of a slightly concave white rectangle on a black background. Inside the rectangle is a smaller red rectangle being held by a large figure; there are some white markings around.

Es Devlin, Study, After Hours Til Dawn

, Mixed media on paper.
Staged 2022, The Weeknd World Arena Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Artwork of a profile face against a green background; the subject has brown hair and is facing left.

Es Devlin, Study, Archive Unboxed installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Artwork of a profile face against a beige background; the subject has brown hair and is facing left.

Es Devlin, Study, Archive Unboxed installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Black-and-white shaded drawing of a face with light hair and light eyes looking slightly to the left.

Es Devlin, Study, Archive Unboxed installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Black-and-white shaded drawing of a face looking slightly to the left; bold linear forms in black are on the left side of the background.

Es Devlin, Study, Archive Unboxed installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Black-and-white textured drawing of two faces close to each other. One face, positioned in the top left, looks slightly upward and the other, positioned in the bottom right, looks slightly downward. Both faces are shaded in and have bold expressive lines for hair.

Es Devlin, Study, Archive Unboxed installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Artwork comprising a map in the background with red, orange, and yellow painted over it; the space left unpainted is in the shape of an extended hand.

Es Devlin, Study, Archive Unboxed installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Black-and-white drawing on lined paper of a cello-like instrument with a figure forming part of the structure. There is handwritten text below the drawing.

Es Devlin, Study, Archive Unboxed installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Black-and-white drawing of the silhouette of a guitar-like instrument with a figure forming part of the structure; their hand is raised and extends into the neck of the guitar.

Es Devlin, Study, Archive Unboxed installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Artwork in color depicting a warm-toned figure holding two smaller figures, one of which is blue. The background is mostly dark blue with a white canvas-like surface drawn behind the main figure.

Es Devlin, Study, Archive Unboxed installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Blue, green, and light yellow drawing of a face that is mostly shaded in. The subject is facing the viewer.

Es Devlin, Study, Archive Unboxed installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Black-and-white detailed drawing with shading of a face looking straight towards the viewer.

Es Devlin, Study, Archive Unboxed installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Black-and-white shaded drawing of a face looking straight towards the viewer.

Es Devlin, Study, Archive Unboxed installation

, "An Atlas of Es Devlin," 2023
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Drawing of a face with an open mouth and a long tongue that winds back and forth across the page as it extends toward the viewer.

Es Devlin, Study, Bangerz

, Graphite on paper.
Staged 2014, Miley Cyrus World Arena Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A detailed drawing of a diagram for a cubic structure with a smaller cube inside it resembling a home. Several handwritten notes and marks are throughout the drawing.

Es Devlin, Study, Chimerica

, Graphite on paper.
By Lucy Kirkwood, staged 2013, Almeida Theatre and Harold Pinter Theatre, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Drawing of a cross-section of a domed building with a spire; flat patterns fill each half. The left is filled with small plants and animals and the right is filled with simple dashes and lines.

Es Devlin, Study, Come Home Again

, Graphite on paper.
Installed 2022, Tate Modern lawn, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Drawing of two domed forms separated by a long arched line; each form has a speech bubble with a music note.

Es Devlin, Study, Come Home Again

, Graphite on paper.
Installed 2022, Tate Modern lawn, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Realistic black-and-white drawing of a fish facing left; below it “ATLANTIC SALMON” is written in uppercase letters.

Es Devlin, Study, Come Home Again

, Graphite on paper.
Installed 2022, Tate Modern lawn, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Realistic black-and-white drawing of a bird facing right with expanding wings; below it “SPOTTED FLY CATCHER” is written in uppercase letters.

Es Devlin, Study, Come Home Again

, Graphite on paper.
Installed 2022, Tate Modern lawn, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Realistic black-and-white drawing of a bird facing right with expanding wings; below it “KINGFISHER” is written in uppercase letters.

Es Devlin, Study, Come Home Again

, Graphite on paper.
Installed 2022, Tate Modern lawn, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Realistic black-and-white drawing of a beetle seen from above; below it “MABS LANTERN” is written in uppercase letters. The beetle faces left.

Es Devlin, Study, Come Home Again

, Graphite on paper.
Installed 2022, Tate Modern lawn, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Drawing of an oval with a black, white, yellow, and orange design resembling city streets on a map. Several lines of text are handwritten above the oval.

Es Devlin, Study, Compton Super Bowl
Staged 2022, NFL Super Bowl Halftime Show featuring Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, and 50 Cent, SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, California, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Expressive drawing of a grid with small rectangles throughout, all within a larger circle. Handwritten text annotates the drawing toward the bottom.

Es Devlin, Study, Compton Super Bowl

, Graphite on paper.
Staged 2022, NFL Super Bowl Halftime Show featuring Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, and 50 Cent, SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, California, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Expressive drawing of a person, seen from behind, sitting in a chair with arms extended across a rectangular surface. The person is facing a stadium-like form of rows and tiers of a crowd.

Es Devlin, Study, Compton Super Bowl

, Graphite on paper.
Staged 2022, NFL Super Bowl Halftime Show featuring Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, and 50 Cent, SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, California, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Detailed drawing of a horizontal structure with several floors; several staircases are shown with small figures throughout for scale. Handwritten notes surround the drawing.

Es Devlin, Study, Don Giovanni

, Graphite on paper.
By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, staged 2014, Royal Opera House, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Detailed drawing of a large rectangle and smaller rectangle within it depicting three figures: one at an open door and one in a dress following the third figure down a staircase. Handwritten notes surround the drawing.

Es Devlin, Study, Don Giovanni

, Graphite on paper.
By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, staged 2014, Royal Opera House, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Detailed drawing of a rectilinear path winding away toward a small figure in a dress. Handwritten text fills the path and also surrounds the drawing.

Es Devlin, Study, Don Giovanni

, Graphite on paper.
By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, staged 2014, Royal Opera House, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Dynamic, black-and-white drawing with abstract forms; two rectangles with some faint text are in the center with light blue lines separating them.

Es Devlin, Study, Experience + Innocence

, Mixed media on paper.
Staged 2018, U2 World Arena Tour
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Rows of squares filled with cartoonish illustrations and text noting track numbers and time cues

Es Devlin, Study, Flag: Burning

, Pen and ink on paper.
Staged 2003, Wire Farewell Performance, Barbican Hall, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Rows of squares filled with cartoonish illustrations and text noting track numbers and time cues

Es Devlin, Study, Flag: Burning

, Pen and ink on paper.
Staged 2003, Wire Farewell Performance, Barbican Hall, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Row of four white squares, each containing a sketchy silhouette of a man playing a musical instrument

Es Devlin, Study, Flag: Burning

, Mixed media on paper.
Staged 2003, Wire Farewell Performance, Barbican Hall, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A drawing of winding and curved lines forming a maze-like design.

Es Devlin, Study, Forest of Us

, Graphite on paper.
Installed 2021, Pace Gallery, Superblue, Miami, Florida, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A drawing of winding and curved lines forming a maze-like design with numbers and annotating marks throughout.

Es Devlin, Study, Forest of Us

, Graphite on paper.
Installed 2021, Pace Gallery, Superblue, Miami, Florida, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A simplified line drawing of a person from the waist-up with lines indicating the passageways of the lungs.

Es Devlin, Study, Forest of Us

, Graphite on paper.
Installed 2021, Pace Gallery, Superblue, Miami, Florida, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A line drawing of branch-like forms stemming from a larger branch in the bottom-left corner.

Es Devlin, Study, Forest of Us

, Graphite on paper.
Installed 2021, Pace Gallery, Superblue, Miami, Florida, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
An architectural plan with drawings and text; a 3D drawing of winding and curved forms is the focus.

Es Devlin, Study, Forest of Us

, Graphite on paper.
Installed 2021, Pace Gallery, Superblue, Miami, Florida, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A drawing of winding and curved lines forming a branch-like design.

Es Devlin, Study, Forest of Us

, Graphite on paper.
Installed 2021, Pace Gallery, Superblue, Miami, Florida, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Black-and-white line drawing of branch-like forms stemming from a larger branch towards the middle.

Es Devlin, Study, Forest of Us

, Graphite on paper.
Installed 2021, Pace Gallery, Superblue, Miami, Florida, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Drawing of a large rectangular prism with an image of two eyes positioned above a crowd of people and a single person on a stage.

Es Devlin, Study, Hello

, Graphite on paper.
Staged 2016–17, Adele World Arena and Stadium Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Drawing of a white, vertical rectangular prism in a round space with faces on a black background; one person is inside the prism surrounded by a crowd.

Es Devlin, Study, Hello

, Graphite on paper.
Staged 2016–17, Adele World Arena and Stadium Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A printed list of song titles in a uniform font with handwritten notes around them.

Es Devlin, Study, Hello

, Graphite and print on paper.
Staged 2016–17, Adele World Arena and Stadium Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Drawing of a slightly folded rectangular structure with two closed eyes, each on a different side; handwritten text is above the drawing.

Es Devlin, Study, Hello

, Graphite on paper.
Staged 2016–17, Adele World Arena and Stadium Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
White line drawing, on a black background, of a person standing on a rectangular base surrounded by two other horizontal rectangles depicting 3D space.

Es Devlin, Study, Howie the Rookie

, Graphite on paper.
By Mark O'Rowe, staged 1999, Bush Theatre, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Black-and-white drawing of a row of five houses floating above three equidistant figures who are between two bold, horizontal yellow lines. Written across the top of the drawing in white uppercase letters is “you can’t return to where you’ve never left.”

Es Devlin, Study, Innocence + Experience

, Mixed media on paper.
Staged 2015, U2 World Arena Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Drawing of a long rectangular prism, shown in three-quarter view, with three houses inside; a figure walks up a staircase to the left side of the prism. Two bold, yellow lines lay across the drawing, parallel to the prism; there are also notes and arrows throughout.

Es Devlin, Study, Innocence + Experience

, Mixed media on paper.
Staged 2015, U2 World Arena Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Expressive drawing of rectangular forms extending from the foreground and shrinking toward the background to a small stage-like structure. There is handwritten text above the drawing.

Es Devlin, Study, Innocence + Experience

, Graphite on paper.
Staged 2015, U2 World Arena Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Black-and-white drawing of two 3D forms; one is a polygonal shape and the other is a cube. Both feature line designs on at least one side.

Es Devlin, Study, La Caja Mágica

, Graphite on paper.
Staged 2010, MTV Europe Music Awards, La Caja Mágica Arena, Madrid, Spain
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Drawing of several figures gathered around a trapezoidal structure with figures and forms within; beneath are several lines of handwritten text.

Es Devlin, Study, Macbeth

, Graphite on paper.
By Ernest Bloch, after William Shakespeare, staged 2003, Theater an der Wien, Vienna, Austria
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Drawing of a person lying in a bathtub filled with black and red all of which is inversely reflected in skewed proportions in a circle above. Below the photo of the drawing is the number 28 followed by handwritten text.

Es Devlin, Study, Macbeth

, Mixed media on paper.
By Ernest Bloch, after William Shakespeare, staged 2003, Theater an der Wien, Vienna, Austria
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A line drawing of a person dressed in loose clothes sitting on a life-like black cube with white and red marks. Below the photo of the drawing is the number 30 followed by handwritten text.

Es Devlin, Study, Macbeth

, Mixed media on paper.
By Ernest Bloch, after William Shakespeare, staged 2003, Theater an der Wien, Vienna, Austria
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Black square with a white bathtub in the center. A yellowish circle overlaps the top of the square from which red appears to flow down into the bathtub filling it. Below the square is the number 27 followed by handwritten text.

Es Devlin, Study, Macbeth

, Mixed media on paper.
By Ernest Bloch, after William Shakespeare, staged 2003, Theater an der Wien, Vienna, Austria
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A small white silhouette of a seated figure obstructs the bottom of a large red rectangle that has organic and circular black designs. Above the rectangle toward the left “prologue” is written in uppercase letters. Below the rectangle is the number 2 followed by handwritten text.

Es Devlin, Study, Macbeth

, Mixed media on paper.
By Ernest Bloch, after William Shakespeare, staged 2003, Theater an der Wien, Vienna, Austria
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A crowded page of many hand-drawn circled words and numbers. They’re connected to one another by overlapping lines, resembling a web.

Es Devlin, Study, Memory Palace

, Graphite on paper.
Installed 2016, Copeland Park, Peckham, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A semicircular collage of numbered maps on a white background, with annotations in red handwritten around.

Es Devlin, Study, Memory Palace

, Pen and ink and print on paper.
Installed 2016, Copeland Park, Peckham, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A series of white, layered cutouts in the shape of the bottom-right quarter of a circle. The delicate cutouts result in an intricate map-like design.

Es Devlin, Study, Memory Palace

, Die-cut paper and board.
Installed 2016, Copeland Park, Peckham, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Drawing on lined paper of an architectural form with curved staircases winding and layered throughout.

Es Devlin, Study, Mirror Maze

, Graphite on paper.
Installed 2016, Copeland Park, Peckham, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Drawing on lined paper of a top view plan for a square space filled with staircases; marks and handwritten text are dispersed around.

Es Devlin, Study, Mirror Maze

, Graphite on paper.
Installed 2016, Copeland Park, Peckham, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Drawing of a winding path that spirals upward and shrinks toward the top; the path is lined with several beds and is surrounded by marks. Handwritten text in uppercase letters surrounds the drawing, including “ACT 1” written at the top left.

Es Devlin, Study, Parsifal

, Graphite on paper.
By Richard Wagner, staged 2012, Royal Danish Opera, Copenhagen, Denmark
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Drawing of a large horizontal oval with a smaller oval inside; lines and figures drawn to scale within the larger oval suggest a tunnel-like form. Handwritten text in uppercase letters surrounds the drawing, including “ACT 3” written at the top left.

Es Devlin, Study, Parsifal

, Graphite on paper.
By Richard Wagner, staged 2012, Royal Danish Opera, Copenhagen, Denmark
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Expressive black-and-white line drawing with horizontal lines organized in a triangular form.

Es Devlin, Study, Poem Pavilion

, Graphite on paper.
Installed 2021–22, UK Pavilion for the World Expo, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Detailed black-and-white drawing of a complex structure with long horizontal lines and elements. Handwritten text annotates the drawing.

Es Devlin, Study, Poem Pavilion

, Graphite on paper.
Installed 2021–22, UK Pavilion for the World Expo, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Drawing of a figure with fully extended arms standing on a circle base with its reflection.

Es Devlin, Study, Progress

, Graphite on paper.
Staged 2011, Take That European Stadium Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Black-and-white photograph of a crowded stadium with a digital rendition of a lying figure superimposed over the center.

Es Devlin, Study, Progress
Staged 2011, Take That European Stadium Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Black-and-white photograph of a crowded stadium with a digital rendition of a lying figure that is partly sitting up superimposed over the center.

Es Devlin, Study, Progress
Staged 2011, Take That European Stadium Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Black-and-white photograph of a crowded stadium with a digital rendition of a standing figure superimposed towards the far right.

Es Devlin, Study, Progress
Staged 2011, Take That European Stadium Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Detailed top-view diagram of a venue with labels and color-coded spaces. Notes are handwritten in black on top.

Es Devlin, Study, Room 2022
Installed 2017, Edition Hotel, Art Basel, Miami Beach, Florida, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Several white layered cutouts forming a circle; the inside depicts gears and parts of a body connected by mechanical elements; the drawing of a head is one of the top layers.

Es Devlin, Study, Songs for Sorrow
Released 2009, Casablanca Records
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A paper with a textured, black circle in the center that is cut in half, vertically, and slightly parted revealing another similar paper behind it.

Es Devlin, Study, Sphere

, Mixed media on paper.
Staged 2023, U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
A paper with light yellow, layered designs and a circle cutout placed in the center; the circle has a black and white pattern of small birds, insects, and plants.

Es Devlin, Study, Sphere

, Mixed media on paper.
Staged 2023, U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
A paper with a textured, red circle in the center that is cut in half, horizontally, and slightly parted revealing another similar paper behind it.

Es Devlin, Study, Sphere

, Mixed media on paper.
Staged 2023, U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Photo: Elliot Goldstein © Smithsonian Institution
Black-and-white drawing of four squares lined next to each other. From left to right, one square has a black dot in the center, the next a black vertical line, the next a rose-like shape, and the last has several small circles forming a larger one. Below the drawing are several lines of handwritten text.

Es Devlin, Study, The Seed

, Graphite on paper.
Staged 2020, Jubail Mangrove Park, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Drawing of a structure in the shape of a head with a triangular shape next to it; small figures are dispersed throughout both on lines suggesting floors within each structure.

Es Devlin, Study, Witness

, Graphite on paper.
Staged 2017–21, Katy Perry World Arena Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Line drawing of repeating and overlapping heads, triangles, and hands that appear white on a black background.

Es Devlin, Study, Witness

, Graphite on paper.
Staged 2017–21, Katy Perry World Arena Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Expressive black-and-white drawing of a 3D circular structure with spiraling paths and curved walls.

Es Devlin, Study, Zoetrope

, Graphite on paper.
Installed 2017–18, Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Drawing of a face in a square on a piece of paper that has been ripped in half, vertically, separating the face in two halves; the two pieces of paper have been slightly parted revealing a small figure that has been drawn on another paper behind.

Es Devlin, Study, Dynamic Cube
Graphite on paper.
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Black-and-white drawings of different rectangular prisms spread throughout the page; some have things inside them and others have images projected on the surfaces.

Es Devlin, Study, Dynamic Cube

, Graphite on paper.
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Horizontal rectangular space with a large sphere and a person’s body confined inside. This space is drawn three times, one above the other; each drawing shows a different way the body can fit around the sphere.

Es Devlin, Study, Perforated Screen

, Pen and ink on paper.
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A collage of images of different people from the chest up. Text with blue or pink light is projected on each subject. Three images on the right are larger than the rest.

Event photographs, PoemPortraits
Installed 2017–ongoing, Serpentine Galleries, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Large-scale outdoor installation of two large hands extending upwards from the ground, the left hand holds a cigarette. Several floating cards are suspended between them and more lay on the floor. The setting is at a pier by the water at sunset.

Installation photograph, Carmen
By Georges Bizet, staged 2017, Bregenz Festival, Lake Constance, Austria
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Large crowd of people seated outdoors on a cloudy day; they are facing left, looking toward a glowing stage with a group of performers. The stage is made of an architectural structure with countless birds throughout.

Installation photograph, Come Home Again
Installed 2022, Tate Modern lawn, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A large white architectural structure sits outdoors next to a building and trees. The installation is half of a dome-like form with white light glowing from inside that highlights countless silhouettes of flying birds, made of a similarly white material.

Installation photograph, Come Home Again
Installed 2022, Tate Modern lawn, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Photograph of a group of people dressed in white against a background of realistic black and white drawings of plants and animals.

Installation photograph, Come Home Again
Installed 2022, Tate Modern lawn, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Aerial view of a white architectural structure situated outdoors and surrounded by trees; an open-ended circle structure is attached to a circle structure with winding paths in each quadrant; a round courtyard centers the structure.

Installation photograph, Five Echoes
Installed 2021, Jungle Plaza, Art Basel, Miami Beach, Florida, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A series of reflective surfaces in a spiral, maze-like form; they are reflecting curved lines of white light.

Installation photograph, Forest of Us
Installed 2021, Pace Gallery, Superblue, Miami, Florida, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A person in a yellow long-sleeved shirt in a large room with a ceiling consisting of mirrors in a maze-like composition; the yellow shirt repeats throughout the space along with lines of white light.

Installation photograph, Forest of Us
Installed 2021, Pace Gallery, Superblue, Miami, Florida, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
The illusion of a white spherical room is created with a mirrored ceiling and wall. A glowing white light centers the space surrounded by reflections of white models of a city and a person dressed in black, which is reflected four times.

Installation photograph, Memory Palace
Installed 2016, Copeland Park, Peckham, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Black-and-white photograph of white text projected onto a city landmark comprising a figure sculpted atop a tower.

Installation photograph, Please Feed the Lions
Installed 2018, London Design Biennale, Trafalgar Square, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Zoomed-in view of a red model of a roaring lion’s head; inside its mouth is a screen that reads “I AM EUROPEAN” in uppercase letters.

Installation photograph, Please Feed the Lions
Installed 2018, London Design Biennale, Trafalgar Square, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Upward view of a red model of a roaring lion’s head in front of a black and white image of a city landmark; inside its mouth is a screen that reads “HELP” in uppercase letters.

Installation photograph, Please Feed the Lions
Installed 2018, London Design Biennale, Trafalgar Square, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Large-scale structure extending from the exterior of a single-story building toward the viewer. The structure comprises long flat rectangles extending from the smaller building; yellow light glows between each layer. Together the group of extending rectangles form a circle. At the end of each rectangle is a word projected in white.

Installation photograph, Poem Pavilion
Installed 2021–22, UK Pavilion for the World Expo, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A person dressed in black stands in front of a large-scale artwork in a rectangular frame; the artwork is a paper sculpture of cutouts and black-and-white illustrations of realistically rendered birds forming the shape of a hand; white glowing light emphasizes the different layers and protruding cutouts.

Installation photograph, Redraw the Edges of Your Self
Installed 2022, Annabel's, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Perception-altering space with many reflective surfaces and white light being reflected throughout. A person viewing the space is seen from the chest up.

Installation photograph, Room 2022
Installed 2017, Edition Hotel, Art Basel, Miami Beach, Florida, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Complex white sculptural installation with white lights and overlapping arches situated in a city at night near a water feature that reflects the lights.

Installation photograph, Your Voices
Installed 2022, Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, New York, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin

Installation photographs, Mirror Maze
Installed 2016, Copeland Park, Peckham, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A large model of a hand and face are bathed in red light and surrounded by fog, foregrounded by a silhouette of a crowd of people.

Production photograph, Abel’s Mask
Staged 2018, The Weeknd Coachella Festival, Indio, California, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A large model of a hand and a face are bathed in blue light in front of a blue and white twinkling background. Silhouettes of two people in front of the hand and face appear much smaller.

Production photograph, Abel’s Mask
Staged 2018, The Weeknd Coachella Festival, Indio, California, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A dark room with a large, red, moon-like sphere suspended above a glowing red stage with a relatively small person on it.

Production photograph, After Hours Til Dawn
Staged 2022, The Weeknd World Arena Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Spherical structure floating in front of a black background with overlapping lines designed on the surface. A person, dwarfed by the structure, stands within a rectangular cutout toward the left of the structure.

Production photograph, Atlas
By Meredith Monk, staged 2019, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles, California, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Spherical structure floating in front of a black background with a large-scale face projected on the surface. A person, dwarfed by the structure, stands within a rectangular cutout toward the middle of the structure.

Production photograph, Atlas
By Meredith Monk, staged 2019, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles, California, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Large stadium venue full of people with a complex white rectangular structure in the center. The structure has open sides and outlines in white light. Several performers are dispersed throughout and three cars are parked next to the structure.

Production photograph, Compton Super Bowl
Staged 2022, NFL Super Bowl Halftime Show featuring Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, and 50 Cent, SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, California, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A person lying in a bed is at the center of a blue-lit room with slanted walls. Projected on the back wall is a dynamic image of floating buildings with yellow lights in the windows. The two other walls and floor are full of small house models with yellow lights, picture frames, and flowers in vases.

Production photograph, Die Tote Stadt
By Erich Wolfgang Korngold, staged 2010, Finnish National Opera, Helsinki, Finland
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Panoramic view of two white triangular hallways in a darker space. White doorways and lights decorate the walls. Two people lean against the corner separating both hallways.

Production photograph, Don Giovanni
By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, staged 2006, Theater an der Wien, Vienna, Austria
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Rectangular structure with two levels sits in a black room. The structure is decorated with architectural elements like doors and windows that are projected onto the surfaces with white and blue light.

Production photograph, Don Giovanni
By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, staged 2014, Royal Opera House, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A person with a spotlight shining on them stands in a doorway. Below them another spotlit person stands on a stage. Both are surrounded by handwritten text and lines that overlap each other and contrast the black background.

Production photograph, Don Giovanni
By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, staged 2014, Royal Opera House, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A person with a spotlight shining on them has their arms and legs extended in a doorway. Spinning rectilinear elements in white, blue, and some green circle the person in a dizzying display.

Production photograph, Don Giovanni
By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, staged 2014, Royal Opera House, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Person in a suit holding a mask with horns in front of their face with a dynamic background of purple, blue, and white electric circuitry.

Production photograph, Electric
Staged 2013–15, Pet Shop Boys 2013 World Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A crowd of people facing a screen with a zoomed-in image of a person singing and lifting up a much smaller person in their right hand.

Production photograph, Experience + Innocence
Staged 2018, U2 World Arena Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A large, indoor concert venue full of people with a long horizontal bar of glowing light floating above the crowd.

Production photograph, Experience + Innocence
Staged 2018, U2 World Arena Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Row of four cubes, the front face of each filled with cropped images of an eye, nose, mouth, and eye

Production photograph, Flag: Burning
Staged 2003, Wire Farewell Performance, Barbican Hall, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Row of four red translucent cubes, each with a black silhouette of a band number inside

Production photograph, Flag: Burning
Staged 2003, Wire Farewell Performance, Barbican Hall, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Row of four cubes, one glowing yellow to reveal the silhouette of a man with a microphone inside

Production photograph, Flag: Burning
Staged 2003, Wire Farewell Performance, Barbican Hall, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Singer Adele on stage in a dark room with a large, black-and-white projection of her eyes behind her.

Production photograph, Hello
Staged 2016–17, Adele World Arena and Stadium Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Singer Adele on stage in a dark room surrounded by four large-scale, black-and-white projections of her.

Production photograph, Hello
Staged 2016–17, Adele World Arena and Stadium Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Black-and-white image of a large-scale projection of two closed eyes above a large crowd facing the screen.

Production photograph, Hello
Staged 2016–17, Adele World Arena and Stadium Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Three-quarter view of a black rectangle with a line of white light running along the middle; yellow light glows from beneath the rectangle. The rest of the image is all black.

Production photograph, Howie the Rookie
By Mark O'Rowe, staged 1999, Bush Theatre, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A large, indoor concert venue full of people with a large yellow rectangular screen in the center of the room; a black line cuts through the screen revealing a person towards the right.

Production photograph, Innocence + Experience
Staged 2015, U2 World Arena Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A large, indoor concert venue full of people with a large rectangular floating screen in the center of the room; the screen is mostly white with a large shadow raising its hand against the screen.

Production photograph, Innocence + Experience
Staged 2015, U2 World Arena Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Large teal circle, positioned vertically, made of several layered cutouts, centers a dark room. Two people are shown, one in the center of the circle with open arms and the other sitting at the base of the circle above several stairs.

Production photograph, La Caja Mágica
Staged 2010, MTV Europe Music Awards, La Caja Mágica Arena, Madrid, Spain
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A large, indoor concert venue full of people with a series of large red triangles that together form a spaceship-like structure, suspended above the crowd at an angle.

Production photograph, Legend of the Fall
Staged 2017, The Weeknd World Arena Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Series of twelve images showing, at different angles, the progression of a large triangular object transforming as it floats above a crowd; the images are black and white except the last one which shows the object in red.

Production photograph, Legend of the Fall
Staged 2017, The Weeknd World Arena Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Profile view of a complex sculpture of a horse head made of small machine pieces put together with spaces between them, allowing the viewer to see through the horse. The mane of the horse is real fire.

Production photograph, Les Troyens
By Hector Berlioz, staged 2012, Royal Opera House, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Profile view of a complex sculpture of a horse head made of small machine pieces put together with spaces between them, allowing the viewer to see through the horse. It is surrounded by a yellowish haze.

Production photograph, Les Troyens
By Hector Berlioz, staged 2012, Royal Opera House, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A large black trapezoidal structure houses a white dining table and chairs with a group of people dressed in suits. The structure sits on a flat surface and is surrounded by a yellow, hazy atmosphere. A person, closer to the viewer than the rest, is in the bottom left corner facing the viewer.

Production photograph, Macbeth
By Ernest Bloch, after William Shakespeare, staged 2003, Theater an der Wien, Vienna, Austria
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Side view of a large black trapezoidal structure housing a white dining table with the chairs leaning against it. A person runs across the room which is filled with a warm, hazy atmosphere. The structure is surrounded by dark blue light and clouds.

Production photograph, Macbeth
By Ernest Bloch, after William Shakespeare, staged 2003, Theater an der Wien, Vienna, Austria
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Large oval tunnel with gray, brick-textured surfaces above a black background. A person walks away from the viewer toward the opposite end of the tunnel which is illuminated.

Production photograph, Parsifal
By Richard Wagner, staged 2012, Royal Danish Opera, Copenhagen, Denmark
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Large oval tunnel with gray, brick-textured surfaces above a black background. A crowd of people fills the tunnel and their proportional sizes indicate depth. Four people exist outside of the oval toward the bottom and are facing it.

Production photograph, Parsifal
By Richard Wagner, staged 2012, Royal Danish Opera, Copenhagen, Denmark
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Concert venue full of people facing the stage which features two large-scale figures with extended arms; the larger one is gold and is from the waist-up and the other is white and a full body.

Production photograph, Progress
Staged 2011, Take That European Stadium Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A clear structure in the general shape of a house foregrounds a black background. Many people are crammed inside the structure which is emitting some light.

Production photograph, The Hunt
By David Farr, after Thomas Vinterberg and Tobias Lindholm, staged 2019, Almeida Theatre, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A clear structure in the general shape of a house foregrounds a black background; one person is inside. White lights line the seams of the structure.

Production photograph, The Hunt
By David Farr, after Thomas Vinterberg and Tobias Lindholm, staged 2019, Almeida Theatre, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Black rectangular structure with no walls housing office furniture and a ceiling with several squares of white light; inside are three people, one standing on the table. Behind the structure is a hazy stripe of white light that cuts across the black background.

Production photograph, The Lehman Trilogy
By Stefano Massini and Ben Power, staged 2018, Royal National Theatre, Lyttelton, London, UK, and 2019, Park Avenue Armory, New York, New York, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Black rectangular structure with no walls housing office furniture and a ceiling with several squares of which two are lit; inside are three people, one sitting on the table. Behind the structure is a stripe of white light that cuts across the black background.

Production photograph, The Lehman Trilogy
By Stefano Massini and Ben Power, staged 2018, Royal National Theatre, Lyttelton, London, UK, and 2019, Park Avenue Armory, New York, New York, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Large white cube, with different cutout designs on each side, is pictured outdoors on a smooth circular surface. The cube emits light and the floor has several other white lights. The background is a cityscape by the water at sunset.

Production photograph, The Seed
Staged 2020, Jubail Mangrove Park, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A large venue with a blue, hazy atmosphere. A group of people dressed in white surrounds a large clock tower resembling Big Ben that is significantly slanted to the right; wires and mechanisms are holding it in place.

Production photograph, London Olympics
Staged 2012, Closing Ceremony, Olympic Stadium, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
A large stadium full of people is seen from above. The center stage comprises a large oval with a red, blue, and white geometric design—an abstraction of the British flag.

Production photograph, London Olympics
Staged 2012, Closing Ceremony, Olympic Stadium, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Four repeating images of singer Miley Cyrus's face, atop a black background, with her mouth open and extending tongue. The figure of Cyrus herself appears in the open mouths.

Production photographs, Bangerz
Staged 2014, Miley Cyrus World Arena Tour
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Two cubic structures shown from different angles: straight on and at an angle. Black-and-white windows are projected on the exteriors; both cubes have blue-lit interiors with a person standing inside.

Production photographs, Chimerica
By Lucy Kirkwood, staged 2013, Almeida Theatre and Harold Pinter Theatre, London, UK
Courtesy of Es Devlin
Numbered list of handwritten text describing a process. Three phrases are underlined: “the idea,” “the shape of history,” and “the order.”

Study, The Lehman Trilogy

, Pen and ink on paper.
By Stefano Massini and Ben Power, staged 2018, Royal National Theatre, Lyttelton, London, UK, and 2019, Park Avenue Armory, New York, New York, USA
Courtesy of Es Devlin