The idea behind Hidden in Plain View comes from the tradition of steganography, the art and science of writing hidden messages, which has been traditionally popular on Scandinavian postcards. Generally, a steganographic message will appear to be something else: a picture, an article, a shopping list or some other message. This apparent message is the cover text and the real message may be held within illustrative symbols which at first glance seem innocuous.

Hidden in Plain View was conceived and curated by Danielle Pender and Beth Rowson as part of Design Event 08. Design Event is an annual festival in the North East providing the public with an opportunity to see cutting edge work by regional, national and international design talent.

The Exhibition took place at Vane gallery in October 2008.
Vane was founded in 1997 in Newcastle upon Tyne in the North East of England.