The Global Life of Design

Global trade and supply chains are an integral and complex part of the interconnected twenty-first century economy, driving innovation and posing challenges in the design industry. This cross-collection exhibition reveals the influence of global trade and exchange on design traditions from the early modern era to the current day.

Art and design have always been shaped by the movement of people and resources. From pigments to produce, timber and textiles, the global exchange of commodities shaped and defined design traditions, leading to breakthroughs in technology, the rise of luxury markets and the development of consumer culture.

Taking a broad thematic approach, this exhibition showcases works from the NGV Collection in new and unexpected contexts to create dialogues across time, cultures and traditions.