From Statues to Software: Jon Holloway (AKQA) at the Visual Design Lab

On February 18, 2026, the NYUAD Visual Design Lab and the Yes Logo Spring 2026 class welcomed Jon Holloway, Managing Director of AKQA MENA, for the 14th installment of its lecture series.

Under the  title “Brands Were Statues. Now They’re Software,” Holloway challenged students and faculty to rethink the fundamental nature of branding. The era of static, monolithic brand identities is over. In its place is a "new economy" where brands must function like software, to become dynamic, iterative, and systems-based. He challenged students to rethink brand as something you build, train, and evolve, not something you design once. Students left with a renewed encouragement to develop their taste and craft through learning, reading, and curiosity.

Hosted by professor Goffredo Puccetti and sponsored by the Art & Art History Program.

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