IDEATION WITH ES DEVLIN

Es Devlin begins each project with a blank sheet of paper. She might respond to a song lyric or a line from a poem as she starts to sketch. She informs her ideas by devouring books, theater, art, music, and poetry—the work of others is a great influence. As she shares, “An idea is only ever part of a continuum of thought.” She iterates to explore, refine, and tweak ideas. Revisions clarify an idea or respond to collaborator feedback. The final forms of Devlin’s work, whether for a performance or installation, are held up by the rigor of constant ideating and iterating.

AN ATLAS OF ES DEVLIN ON VIEW THROUGH AUGUST 11, 2024