Japanese design studio Nendo is set to design a “deeply immersive” exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) inspired by more than 160 prints and drawings by Dutch artist M.C. Escher. 

The exhibition forms part of NGV’s 2018/2019 program and will “intertwine the worlds of both artist and designer in a masterful and enigmatic visual presentation”.

Celebrated as a master of optical illusion, Escher created some of the most iconic images of the twentieth century. Drawn from the world’s largest collection of Escher’s work in the Gemeentemuseum in The Hague, this expansive exhibition is the first major Australian presentation of the artist’s work and will cover the full span of the artist’s career, from 1916 through to his final work produced in 1969.

The exhibition will be similar to Nendo’s 2011 dancing squares exhibition in Taiwan

“National Gallery of Victoria’s Spring/Summer season for 2018/19 reflects our commitment to presenting a dynamic and full program for our diverse audiences. At the heart of this program is the never-before-seen exhibition, Between Two Worlds | Escher X nendo, which will showcase the consummate skill and unique vision of both artist and designer. Conceptualised by the NGV, this exhibition further cements the Gallery’s reputation as a destination for both art and design in our region,” says Tony Ellwood, director, NGV.

M.C. Escher’s Drawing Hands artwork

Nendo will draw upon its unique design approach to create the exhibition through the manipulation of geometry, space and perception and present Escher’s work in “new and surprising contexts”.

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