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On the basis of 24 principles developed for his consultancy, Massive Change Network, renowned designer and author Bruce Mau (b. 1959) has demonstrated the power of design to generate positive change in any arena.

This exhibition is the first to explore Mau’s provocative and influential thinking.

Focusing primarily on the last ten years and including current projects along with others based on his work as creative director of Bruce Mau Design (1985-2010), the exhibition encompasses a wide range of innovative work, from book and branding designs to strategies for countries, corporations, and universities, as well as collaborations with filmmakers, artists and writers.

© 24HRS2MC ® 2011, Designed by Bruce Mau, Canadian, born 1959

Bruce Mau is internationally recognized for his achievements in design, including visual identities, brand systems, books, packaging, and exhibition graphics.

His most recent work applies design tools and concepts to environmental, social, economic, and political problems. Work on What You Loveoffers examples of Mau’s innovative solutions for clients like Coca-Cola, the country of Guatemala, and Biomuseo in Panama City, presenting a portrait of a tireless designer at the vanguard of the field’s search for solutions to global concerns.

Mau’s current design consultancy, Massive Change Network, is based on twenty-four principles that individuals or a global brand can use to set goals and achieve solutions.

© 111 NAVY CHAIR, Designed 2006, Made by Emeco, Hanover, Pennsylvania, founded 1944

The exhibition highlights nine of these concepts, beginning with the eponymous “Work on What You Love,” and a display of more than two hundred books that Mau has designed for artists, architects, and clients such as Gagosian Gallery and the Getty Research Institute.

Throughout the exhibition, graphics, books, objects, videos, and interactive digital displays highlight the story of each project and its guiding design principle.

Visitors to the exhibition have the opportunity to consider Massive Change Network’s design concepts in relation to their own lives and communities at a work station in the gallery.

Additionally, Bruce Mau’s principles will be applied to design-thinking workshops in partnership with cultural organizations around Philadelphia.

Focusing on issues specific to our city, the workshops will demonstrate the potential of design to combine aesthetic with ethical and social considerations, and, in the process, bolster the efforts of Philadelphians to foster positive change.

© ¡GUATEAMALA! LOGO, Designed 2004, Designed by Bruce Mau, Canadian, born 1959

On November 20, Collab, the Museum’s friends group for modern and contemporary design, will present Bruce Mau with its 2015 Design Excellence Award.

Established in 1970, this volunteer committee is dedicated to supporting the Museum’s design collections and programs.

In addition, Collab’s Student Design Competition challenges area college students to create their personal brand identity as a response to the themes explored in this exhibition.

21 NOVEMBER 2015 – 3 APRIL 2016

PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART | PHILADELPHIA, USA