Art
Deco
 Art
deco (1918-39) developed out of the modernist, anti-historical elements
of Art Nouveau. It co-existed with the Machine Age styles of designers
like F.L. Wright and the Bauhaus and was considered to have rather
less regard for the refinement of craftsmanship and naturalistic
ornamentation than art nouveau. Indeed, it gave way to the demands
of modernized production and machine-like forms.
While
its origins may be traced back to the early years of the century,
the movement actually owes its name to the first major international
exhibition of decorative arts to be held after the First World War-
L’Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels
Modernes, which was held in Paris in 1925. Some of the artists who
exhibited their work include: J.-E Ruhlmann (furniture), R. Lalique
(glass and jewellery), J.-E. Puiforcat (silver) and Clarice Cliff
(pottery).
Art Deco is characterized by the use of materials such as aluminum,
stainless steel, lacquer, inlaid wood, sharkskin (shagreen), and
zebraskin. The bold use of stepped forms and sweeping curves (unlike
the sinuous, natural curves of the Art Nouveau), chevron patterns,
and the sunburst motif are typical of Art Deco. Some of these motifs
were ubiquitous — for example, sunburst motifs were used in
such varied contexts as ladies' shoes, radiator  grilles,
the auditorium of the Radio City Music Hall and the spire of the
Chrysler building.
Deco was an opulent style, and its lavishness is attributed to reaction
to the forced austerity imposed by the war. Its rich, festive character
fitted it for "modern" contexts, including the Golden
Gate Bridge, interiors of cinema theaters (a prime example being
the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, California) and ocean liners such
as the Normandie. Art Deco was employed extensively throughout America's
train stations in the 1930s, which were designed to reflect the
modernity and efficiency of the train.
The popularity of Art Deco began to decline in the West after reaching
mass production, when it began to be criticized as gaudy and presenting
a false image of luxury. The austerities of World War II eventually
cut the style short.
back
to tv show "more information"
or
to more bonus features
|
