Review of 'Hope to Nope: Graphics and Politics 2008-18'

https://designmuseum.org/exhibitions/hope-to-nope-graphics-and-politics-2008-18

While I booked my ticket for “Ferrari: Under the Skin” I was offered a deal on including admission to “Hope to Nope” and I am very glad I chose this option. An amazing assortment of displays and interesting information are on offer charting the graphic design of protest in the last 10 years.

The exhibit is split into three sections: “Power”, “Protest” and “Personality.” “Power” features examples of various protest graphic material including “add-busting” as well as political material. In “Protest” the power of protest is explored with artefacts of various protest movements around the world including the Grenfell Tower protests, the 2014 Hong Kong “Umbrella Movement”, “Occupy Wall Street” and others. A large wall included video and montages of various protests of the last 10 years some not as well known as others. The final room “Personality” explores the power of various political personalities including the amusing “The All-Seeing Trump” fortune telling machine featuring the titular president (which toured in the presidential campaign of 2016).

The ingenuity and whit of the elements on display is refreshing and intriguing. It certainly keeps things interesting and the exhibit is not so large that you get bored despite a large amount of written material on display (and write-ups). The exhibit has open spaces that let you appreciate the look of all the colourful displays. This is very much a “wander in whatever direction you fancy” exhibit though it does mean you end up having to often backtrack (particularly in the first room) to make sure you do not miss anything…

Well worth a visit for anyone interested in graphic design and modern protest culture. Often fun and always interesting (make sure to get your free fortune from Trump!).

Rating: “Nearly perfect, but not quite”

Review Date: 2018-04-14

Location: London (England)

Address: 224-238 Kensington High Street, London W8 6AG ENGLAND

Public Transport: High Street Kensington

Telephone: +44 (0) 20 3862 5937

URL: https://designmuseum.org/

A wonderful modern new building on the south side of Holland Park with free permanent exhibits and paid exhibitions. The building itself is an exhibit with it's clean lines and unusual shapes.

As far as facilities, there are two interesting gift shops (one in a separate building just off Kensington High Street). There is also a small cafe in the main building that is often very crowded and has free water available.