Barbara Nessim: an artful life

American artist Barbara Nessim has worked as an illustrator and fashion designer since the 1960s, creating everything from shoes and textiles to commercial graphics.

Nessim has produced cover illustrations for Time, Rolling Stone and The New York Times magazine, plus adverts for Levis and Ralph Lauren. In this film she discusses the many themes addressed in her work, ranging from gender-roles to the creative energy of the city she calls home. Nessim also considers the development of computer art, and explains how she came to be a pioneer of the medium.

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Barbara Nessim: An Artful Life was on display at the V&A South Kensington from 15 February – 19 May 2013. The display featured sketchbooks, prints, drawings, photographs, computer graphics, ceramics, artist's books and other printed publications.

Header image: Dream Still, digital print, Barbara Nessim, 2009, US. Museum no. E.77-2013. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London