The work Visnja Brdar is headed to the Monash University Museum of Art (MUMA), as the New York-based, Australian born designer brings her Visnja Brdar: Design Exalted exhibition to the gallery.

The female graphic designer rose to prominence in the male-dominated design industry of 1990s New York, showcasing resilience and creative prowess. Beginning her journey at Swinburne University of Technology in 1988, she quickly established herself as a standout talent, launching her own studio at just twenty-two years old.

Her career has seen many collaborations with renowned designers and iconic brands, culminating in the establishment of her own agency in 2003, solidifying her reputation as a leading figure in global design, particularly in New York City.

The exhibition will draw on Brdar’s design archive, showcasing her work within a number of sectors including architecture, real estate and lifestyle. The exhibition will also explore the meticulous artistry and sophistication within Brdar’s brand identity, collateral, book design, packaging, jewellery, and creative direction projects.

“Visnja Brdar's story is a testament to the power of design in shaping narratives and transcending boundaries,” says MUMA Director Rebecca Coates.

“Having worked with some of the world’s leading brands, her design practice is singular, exemplified by its independence, elegance, simplicity and dynamism. We are delighted to present this important exhibition and provide an opportunity for audiences to gain an insight into the evolution of this internationally recognised force in design.”

Brdar says she aims to create timeless works that still resonate many years later.

“I strive to push the boundaries of design, the boundaries of possibility, in pursuit of the new, the surprising and the poetic, the profound and extremely beautiful,” she says.

In a society that glorifies the disposable and inessential, I aim for my work to have substance and aesthetic power that stand the test of time.”

Supported by the Monash Art Design and Architecture school, the exhibition coincides with Melbourne Design Week. The exhibition will be complemented by Brdar's inaugural book, co-published by Monash University Museum of Art and Powerhouse Publishing, featuring her work contextualised within Australian and international design, with contributions from esteemed design historians and writers.

Visnja Brdar: Design Exalted will be on display from 11 April to 15 June 2024. It will be located on the ground of Building F at Monash’s Caulfield Campus. Entry is free.

Architecture & Design Team

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