The exhibition is presented by 1stdibs, the leading global marketplace for luxury design, and the Female Design Council (FDC), a US-based organisation dedicated to supporting women in the fields of design and creativity.

Poswa’s large ceramic piece Umthwalo I and Mahoney’s Initiation (Special Edition), a bronze sculpture, are shown alongside the work of 17 other designers from the Netherlands, Lebanon, Denmark and locations across the U.S. Curated by FDC founder Lora Appleton, Deeper than Text showcases both decorative pieces and utilitarian objects, spanning the mediums of textiles, lighting, clay, resin, glass, upholstery and more. All the designers share a commitment to the innovative use of materials and strength in form, creating boundary-pushing works that address adversity, rejection, challenges and gender questions.

“With ‘Deeper than Text,’ we are redefining the visual message of women in design,” said Lora, founder of popular New York City store kinder MODERN. “We live in a society where many personal factors, notably gender, affect how we move through our professional landscape. This exhibition presents incredibly high-quality and innovative works that challenge viewers to look beyond the mundane and focus on the objects, the investigation and the dedication to the creative process. Partnering with 1stdibs to display this exhibition during NYCxDESIGN provides us with an incredible platform to showcase these works and spread this message.”

Every item in the exhibition can be purchased through the 1stdibs.com FDC digital storefront. “1stdibs is committed to supporting the design community, and we admire the work the Female Design Council has done advocating for women in the industry,” said Cristina Miller, chief commercial officer of 1stdibs. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Lora and the FDC for this exhibition and to turn a spotlight on these remarkably talented makers.”