Les Mason: Solo

Overview

Ever wondered who designed the iconic black and yellow Solo can? Les Mason was not only the original Solo man, but was Australia's Don Draper equivalent in the 1960s, revolutionising mundane graphic design, and making it into an art form worthy of critical praise and galleries.

From the iconic product designs of melt-in-your-mouth-and-hand Cadbury to the ever-classy Epicurean magazine, find out what advertising was like pre-photoshop at Les Mason: Solo. This free exhibition at NGV Design Studio will feature over 200 designs and photographs from the maverick graphic artist — a captivating insight into Mason's prolific career.

Praised for his critical eye and bold use for experimentation in design, Les Mason was the first to combine Dada and Surrealism into advertising. The exhibition showcases his rigorous and disciplined process that had the ability to influence consumer decision-making, from vibrant colour rainbow graphics to packaging, architectural graphics and more.

Les Mason: Solo is showing now, and will run until February 21.