What is Considered Art Deco

Art Deco, a captivating and influential design movement, is often considered one of the most recognizable and iconic styles of the 20th century. But what exactly is Art Deco, and how can we identify it? Let's delve into the world of Art Deco, exploring its origins, key characteristics, and lasting impact on various aspects of art, design, and culture.

Born in the Roaring Twenties, Art Deco emerged as a reaction against the romantic and historical styles of the past. It was a celebration of modernity, drawing inspiration from various sources such as Cubism, Constructivism, and Futurism, as well as non-Western art and architecture, particularly from Egypt, Asia, and Africa.

Key Characteristics of Art Deco

Art Deco is characterized by a bold and exuberant use of color, geometry, and ornamentation. It embraced new materials like chrome, stainless steel, and lacquer, reflecting the technological advancements of the time. Here are some of the most distinctive features of Art Deco:

Bold Geometry and Symmetry

Art Deco is known for its strong, geometric shapes and symmetrical patterns. Designs often feature stylized, abstracted forms inspired by nature, such as sunbursts, fans, and stylized flowers. These geometric elements are often arranged in repeating patterns, creating a sense of harmony and balance.

For instance, the Chrysler Building in New York, designed by William Van Alen, exemplifies this use of geometry and symmetry. Its iconic crown features a series of setbacks, creating a stepped profile that emphasizes the building's verticality and reinforces its geometric theme.

Exotic Influences and Ornamentation

Art Deco designers were captivated by the vibrant colors and patterns of non-Western art. They incorporated these influences into their designs, often in stylized and abstracted forms. Egyptian motifs, such as pyramids, obelisks, and sun discs, were particularly popular, reflecting the fascination with ancient Egyptian culture sparked by the discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922.

An excellent example of this can be seen in the Ocean liner SS Normandie, designed by Vladimir Yourkevitch. The ship's interiors featured lavish use of ebony, macassar wood, and lacquer, along with intricate, stylized motifs inspired by Art Deco's exotic influences.

Art Deco in Different Mediums

Art Deco's influence extended far beyond architecture and design. It permeated various aspects of culture, from fine arts and fashion to film and advertising. Let's explore some of these areas:

Fine Arts and Painting

Art Deco had a significant impact on the fine arts, with painters like Tamara de Lempicka, Amedeo Modigliani, and Giorgio de Chirico incorporating its stylized forms and bold colors into their work. De Lempicka, in particular, is renowned for her Art Deco-inspired portraits, which feature elongated forms, dramatic lighting, and rich, vibrant colors.

Consider her painting "La Belle Rafaëla," which exemplifies Art Deco's influence on fine art. The elongated, stylized figure, the bold use of color, and the dramatic lighting are all characteristic of Art Deco's aesthetic.

Film and Cinema

Art Deco's impact on cinema was profound. The opulent, stylized sets and costumes of films from the 1920s and 1930s are quintessential examples of Art Deco design. The film "Metropolis" (1927), directed by Fritz Lang, is a prime example. Its futuristic cityscapes and stylized sets are classic Art Deco, reflecting the movement's fascination with technology and modernity.

Similarly, the film "Gold Diggers of 1933" (1933) features a lavish production number called "Pettin' in the Park," which showcases Art Deco's influence on fashion and dance. The costumes, designed by Bernard Newman, are typical of Art Deco's use of bold colors, geometric patterns, and exotic influences.

Art Deco's enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the spirit of its time. It was a celebration of modernity, a testament to the technological advancements and cultural shifts of the early 20th century. Today, its influence can still be seen in various forms of art and design, from graphic design and fashion to architecture and interior design. So, the next time you admire a stylized geometric pattern, a bold use of color, or an exotic motif, you're likely looking at a piece of Art Deco history.