The Neu Black Aesthetic
From 6 November 2026 to 8 August 2027, the Design Museum in London will present 'The Nue Black Aesthetic', a major exhibition dedicated to contemporary Black design. Drawing on the cultural movements of the 'Black Aesthetic' of the 1960s and the 'New Black Aesthetic' of the 1980s, which used art, design and culture to raise awareness of Black identity and self-determination. At the same time, the exhibition introduces the concept of a 'Nue' era. Taking inspiration from the English word 'nuance', the term reflects an understanding of Black design that embraces a variety of forms of expression and lived experiences. Central to the exhibition is the question of the influences and sources of inspiration that shape the work of contemporary Black designers and the effect that creating within a predominantly white environment has on their practice.
With more than 100 works and perspectives from 16 designers, this is the largest exhibition of Black design in the UK to date. Spanning fashion, furniture, architecture, product design and sculpture, the pieces on display reveal the ways in which identity, cultural belonging and personal experience influence design. They also encourage visitors to reconsider the meaning of Black design today.
The exhibition is curated by journalist and author Charlene Prempeh in collaboration with Tiya Dahyabhai of the Design Museum. As the founder of the creative agency and art consultancy A Vibe Called Tech, Prempeh champions a culturally diverse perspective on design, technology, art and culture. In 2023, she published her first book, ‘Now You See Me: An Introduction to 100 Years of Black Design’, which explores a century of Black design history. As guest curator, she brings an intersectional perspective to design, reflected in the exhibition’s concept.
The exhibition is divided into six sections, each exploring a different aspect of contemporary Black design. These range from historical developments and the role of identity as a source of inspiration to the importance of design in building communities, as well as questioning established norms and systems. The exhibition is complemented by a specially produced film entitled ‘Black by Design’, created by Samona Olanipekun for this occasion. In the film, participating designers discuss their work, personal experiences, and motivations. Many of the designers featured belong to diasporic communities, bringing shared experiences into dialogue with the diverse traditions of their respective heritages.
Tim Marlow, Director and CEO of the Design Museum, says: ‘This is a nuanced and thought-provoking exhibition that invites visitors to reflect on the central role the Black experience plays in designers’ practice and on how design is shaped in the 21st century. We look forward to sparking important conversations.’
