Introduction to Art Deco

Art Deco is a design movement that originated in Europe in the early 20th century and quickly spread throughout the world, including the United States, Asia and South America. The movement was characterised by its use of bold colours, geometric shapes and streamlined forms. It was a reaction to the more ornate and decorative styles that came before it and it was popularised by designers who sought to create a modern, sophisticated aesthetic. In this blog, we will explore the history of the Art Deco movement, its most famous practitioners and influencers and the disciplines it covers.

History of the Art Deco Movement

The Art Deco movement was born in the aftermath of World War I, when designers and artists were looking for new ways to express themselves. The movement was influenced by a variety of sources, including the decorative arts, industrial design and the emerging technologies of the time. One of the earliest and most influential proponents of Art Deco was the French artist and designer, Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann. Ruhlmann's designs were characterised by their simplicity, elegance and use of expensive materials, such as exotic woods and rare metals. His work set the standard for Art Deco design, and his influence can be seen in the work of many of his contemporaries. Another important figure in the Art Deco movement was the French jeweller, Rene Lalique. Lalique was known for his use of glass in his jewellery designs and his work was inspired by the natural world. He also created a variety of other objects, including vases, perfume bottles and decorative objects, all of which were characterised by their flowing, organic forms. In addition to Ruhlmann and Lalique, there were many other important Art Deco designers and artists, including Tamara de Lempicka, Erté and Jean Dunand. These designers and artists helped to shape the Art Deco movement and to bring it to prominence around the world.

Craft Disciplines of Art Deco

The Art Deco movement encompassed a wide range of craft disciplines, including furniture design, jewellery making, textile design and architecture. Each of these disciplines was characterised by its own unique set of design principles and many of the most important Art Deco designers and artists worked in multiple disciplines.

One of the most important disciplines of Art Deco was furniture design. Art Deco furniture was characterised by its clean lines, geometric shapes and use of expensive materials, such as exotic woods and metals. Some of the most famous examples of Art Deco furniture include the iconic chairs of the French designer, Le Corbusier and the furniture of the American designer, Gilbert Rohde.

Another important discipline of Art Deco was jewellery making. Art Deco jewellery was characterised by its use of geometric shapes, bright colours and expensive materials, such as diamonds and other precious gems. Some of the most famous Art Deco jewellery designers include Rene Lalique, Jean Després and Suzanne Belperron.

Textile design was also an important discipline of Art Deco. Art Deco textiles were characterised by their bold, geometric patterns and bright colours. Some of the most famous Art Deco textile designers include Sonia Delaunay and Raoul Dufy.

Finally, architecture was perhaps the most important discipline of Art Deco. Art Deco architecture was characterised by its use of bold, geometric forms and its incorporation of modern materials, such as steel and concrete. Some of the most famous examples of Art Deco architecture include the Empire State Building in New York City, the Hoover Dam in Nevada and the Ocean Drive district of Miami Beach, Florida.

Influence of Art Deco on 21st Century Design

The Art Deco movement continues to be a significant influence on 21st century design, particularly in the areas of fashion and interior design. Many contemporary designers continue to draw inspiration from the bold colours, geometric shapes and streamlined forms of Art Deco design. One of the most influential contemporary designers who is heavily inspired by Art Deco is Tom Dixon. Dixon's work is characterised by its use of bold shapes and materials and he often incorporates Art Deco-inspired elements into his furniture designs. For example, his "Pylon" chair, with its angular metal frame and leather seat, is reminiscent of Art Deco furniture.

Another influential contemporary designer who is inspired by Art Deco is Jonathan Adler. Adler's work is characterised by its use of bold colours, graphic patterns and playful, irreverent style. His designs often feature Art Deco-inspired elements, such as geometric shapes and mirrored surfaces.

In addition to Dixon and Adler, there are many other contemporary designers who draw inspiration from the Art Deco movement, including Kelly Wearstler, Marcel Wanders and Philippe Starck. These designers continue to push the boundaries of design and to create new and innovative work that is informed by the principles of Art Deco.

Conclusion

The Art Deco movement was a significant cultural and artistic movement that had a lasting impact on the world of design. It was characterised by its use of bold colours, geometric shapes and streamlined forms and it influenced a wide range of craft disciplines, including furniture design, jewellery making, textile design and architecture. The movement was shaped by a variety of influential designers and artists, including Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Rene Lalique, Tamara de Lempicka and many others. These designers and artists helped to create a new aesthetic that was modern, sophisticated and innovative. Today, the Art Deco movement continues to be a significant influence on the world of design, particularly in the areas of fashion and interior design. Contemporary designers continue to draw inspiration from the bold colours, geometric shapes and streamlined forms of Art Deco design and they are pushing the boundaries of design in exciting and innovative ways. As such, the Art Deco movement remains relevant and important in the 21st century and it will continue to inspire and influence designers for many years to come.