Documentary Review: ‘Abstract - The Art of Design’

Is the entertaining and fascinating Netflix series telling the truth about design process? Does it metter, if watching it is just uplifting and inspirational?

By David Janosi

Abstract is not a conventional documentary, it is contemporary and optimistic. For me, it brings back the hope in the joy of being creative. As we follow 9 designers from different fields we got an abstract glimpse into their profession, their way of creating and thinking. However, I believe it reveals more about the personality of the designer rather than the reality of their work and profession.

After understanding this concept, it becomes very enjoyable to watch and inspiring to see how one’s unique way of thinking and seeing the world influences the art they create. (I must note, that Bjarke is not the most sympathetic of the characters, but that would be another article to discuss.)

I recommend to all those crazy creatures, who call themselves creatives or designers to watch this series, which is a refreshing cocktail on a sweaty day, full of inspirational quotes about art, design, life and everything. The cool, often funny and creative way of documenting design, full of infographics, upbeat music and positive vibe intended to show us the future. The future I sense here is very optimistic, well thought ideas shaping a better world. Lovely future, even if it is just an abstract idea.

Each episode tells the story of the creation of one object or piece of art. Although, it only gives the surface, the big ideas, through scenes that often feels staged, judging by the episode on Bjarke Ingels, the architect. We follow the story of his serpentine pavilion and it is far from what I ever imagined an architectural design process would look like. It doesn’t show any struggles, any debate about design, any clash between dreams and reality or any of the all-nighters to produce the drawings. I understand that it was out of the scope of the programme to show the ‘boring truth’, but it is slightly annoying that designers are celebrated as half-gods, who just love design and do it too easily. Bjarke comes in, draws 3 lines with the fat pen: ‘That’s the kind of shit we do’ and boom, job done. Me and the readers of this magazine can imagine the untold part of the story, but those who never designed got an idealised picture. So, first I got annoyed that it doesn’t tell the truth, but then I started to think about the title.

The title ‘Abstract’ explains the concept: we only see a brief introduction to the subject and also, we see an unrealistic image of the process, a distorted reality. The show is more about the ideas that inspire and not the actual design process. Each episode has its own style of presenting the designer and their everyday life, the cuts and the special effects are very creatively used to adapt to the individual. We get to know the individual behind the great and innovative work very well or at least the image they reveal.

I would highlight one common theme that warmed my heart: almost every designer mentioned empathy as one of the key aspects to design. I want to believe that Abstract inspires people to be creative, innovative and emphatic and if it does, who cares if it is telling the truth or not! I am looking forward to the next series!