1. Villa Design Group
By Amal Idris

2. Villa Design Group VDG consists of 3 members
Than Hussein Clark, James Connick and William Joys
Formed in 2011 at Goldsmiths, University of London

3. Villa Design Group
Inspired by theatrical sets and architecture, Villa Design Group uses installations, drawings, objects and performances to explore the resonance of queerness in a dynamic world.
Work develops from their research of queer histories and figures, such as the 19th-century Russian writer Nikolai Gogol.
VGD uses historical framework to construct environments and situations that recreate the past, using it as a model to question contemporary political formations and desires.
Inspired by 1980s Italian design and architecture group (Memphis and the Ballet Russes), references in their work range from literature to the history of fashion and decorative arts.
VDG seeks to create “queer objects”—objects “coded with narrative possibilities, which…can perhaps smuggle in a kind of radical moment that does not depend on visualization of a radical body.” 

4. Memphis Group
Italian design and architecture group founded in Milan by Ettore Scottsass in 1981.
Often incorporated plastic laminate and characterized by temporary design, featuring colour decoration and asymmetrical shapes.
Originally, name was taken after the Bob Dylan’s song “Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blue Again” which had been played repeatedly during a meeting with designers.
Drew inspiration from Art Deco and Pop Art.

5. A collection of objects

7. Memphis Group Produced and exhibited furniture and design objects.
Colourful furniture has been described as “bizarre”, “misunderstood” and “loathed”.
Memphis designs served as inspiration for the Fall/Winter Christian Dior haute couture collection fashion show.

9. Ballet Russes A ballet company established in 1909 by Serge Diaghilev.
Diaghilev launched his first Russian ballet in Paris where the audiences were dazzled by the dancing and striking designs.
Designed by Russian-born artist Léon Bakst. His bejewelled colours, swirling Art Nouveau elements and sense of the erotic review dance productions as total works of art.

10. Ballet Russes
The designs and colours used forged a new aesthetic in the 20th century. Knowledge of the company’s revolutionary ballets filtered through to theatre, fashion and daily life, including interior design.
Ballet scores and music Diaghilev commissioned continue to be performed in concert halls around the world.
Over 200 different versions of The Rite of Spring have been choreographed.
Created a century ago, Ballet Russes’ achievements continue to inspire the worlds of art, theatre, music and dance, including influencing Villa Design Group.

13. Than Hussein Clark American
This antipathy to authenticity betrays Clark’s affinity with the stage. Studying acting years before he did fine art, Clark also writes scripts, designs sets and directs performances – both as a solo artist and member of the Villa Design Group which he formed with James Connick and William Joys at Goldsmith’s College in 2011

16. James Connick
British

17. Recent and upcoming performances and exhibitions include Edinburgh Art Festival; Blue Moon at Mathew Gallery, Berlin; KUB Arena; Kunsthaus Bregenz; Bundeskunsthalle Bonn; Mathew Gallery, New York; and mumok, Vienna.