projects
V&A illustration awards exhibition
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Designed for the V&A Illustration Awards 2026, the exhibition presents the work of ten finalists across five judging categories, each represented by a winner and runner-up. Bringing together drawing, painting, collage and moving image, the exhibition celebrates the diversity of contemporary illustration practice.
The design is organised into five distinct zones that reflect the award categories and provide a clear structure for navigating the exhibition. Inspired by colours drawn from the selected artworks, each zone is defined by a unique pairing of tones that creates its own identity and atmosphere. A radiused corner device frames each display area by defining the corners of the wall rather than enclosing it, subtly subdividing the gallery into a series of interconnected regions. This design language is carried through the exhibition, informing the detailing of labels, interpretation panels and bespoke glass display cases. The use of colour, paint and geometry adds a distinct layer to the architectural environment, drawing inspiration from the rich decorative traditions found throughout the V&A. Many of the museum’s Victorian galleries use painted ornament and colour to enrich architectural surfaces, creating spaces that are both immersive and memorable. Working within Galleries 88a and 90, which form part of the museum’s historic fabric, the exhibition sought to respond to this legacy in a contemporary way -introducing vibrant fields of colour and simple geometric interventions that feel connected to, rather than separate from, the character and heritage of the surrounding architecture. Referencing one of the most common illustration mediums, the exhibition uses sustainable clay paint throughout. Breathable and environmentally responsible, it brings richness and depth to the gallery while supporting a low-impact approach to exhibition design. Graphic Design: Thomas Humeau Photography: Thomas Adank |
