What type of art was created during the Art Deco movement?
Print art, type art, architecture, interior architecture and design, installation art and fashion design of the roaring 20s were mostly made in the art deco style.
Art Deco was created and popular during which years?
After the great depression, the 1920s and 1930s saw the height of the Art Deco movement. However, the photo-art deco movement began in the late 1800s.
Where was Art Deco made and popularised?
United States, Europe, parts of Asia and Africa are where the Art Deco movement became popular.
Who are some famous Art Deco artists and artworks?
Chrysler Building by William Van Alen
Christ the Redeemer by Paul Landowski
Eros Cinema Mumbai by Shorabji Bhedwar
Interesting observations about Art Deco – Art Op-Ed
At the time of the pandemic, people around the world lost their jobs, faced ill health and were isolated in their homes. When lockdowns around the world were lifted, people couldn’t wait to go out again. People were back with their families, in restaurants, clubs and just taking a walk in the streets.
After the Great Depression ended, people were starting to get financially stable again. People wanted to spend their money on frivolity, go out and socialise and the popularity of the radio and its music stations, all happened at once. Fashion, design, ornamentation and architecture are where the Art-deco movement saw the most “spending” and patronage.
Which art movement(s) came before the Art Deco movement?
Art Nouveau, Suprematism and Bauhaus were the art movements that happened before and during the Art Deco movement.
Which art movement(s) came after the Art Deco movement?
Streamline moderne, Style Paquebot (ocean liner style) and other aesthetic styles were inspired by the Art Deco movement.
Top 10 artworks of the Art Deco Movement:
The Chrysler Building by William Van Alen
The Chrysler Building stands as a pinnacle of Art Deco architecture, a symbol of innovation and elegance in the heart of New York City. There were rumours about the intense rivalry between architects in the race to construct the tallest building. William Van Alen’s design for the Chrysler Building emerged victorious, capturing the spirit of the Roaring Twenties. The iconic spire, constructed in secret within the building, was a last-minute addition, securing the skyscraper’s claim as the world’s tallest at the time. The Chrysler Building not only embodies the opulence of the Art Deco movement but also reflects the ambition and competitive drive of its era.
Poster for the Chicago World’s Fair by Weimer Pursell
The Chicago World’s Fair of 1933 was a dazzling spectacle of progress and optimism, and Weimer Pursell’s poster advertised the essence of this grand event. Pursell’s meticulous approach captured the fair’s spirit, blending geometric shapes, bold typography, and a vibrant colour palette. The poster not only promoted the fair but became a visual celebration of the Art Deco movement’s influence on graphic design. Each element symbolises the technological advancements and cultural dynamism of the time, making the poster a timeless representation of the flapper spirit.
Christ the Redeemer by Paul Landowski
While not traditionally associated with the Art Deco movement, Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro carries subtle Art Deco influences. Paul Landowski’s collaboration with Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and French sculptor Albert Caquot brought this monumental statue to life. The statue, unveiled in 1931, reflects the streamlined, modern aesthetic of Art Deco, contrasting with the surrounding natural landscape. Christ the Redeemer serves as a testament to the movement’s global impact, influencing even the creation of iconic religious landmarks.
London Underground Poster by Horace Taylor (1924)
Horace Taylor’s London Underground poster from 1924 captures the essence of Art Deco in its simplicity and sophistication. Taylor aimed to convey the modernity and efficiency of the Underground system through his design. The streamlined typography and geometric elements reflect the movement’s influence on visual communication. This poster not only guided Londoners through the city but also took graphic design toward a sleek and elegant future.
Interpretation of Harlem Jazz I by Winold Reiss
Winold Reiss, known for his portraits capturing the vibrancy of the Harlem Renaissance, created “Interpretation of Harlem Jazz I” in 1925. Reiss’s immersion in the Harlem music scene translated the rhythm and energy of jazz into visual art. The bold colours, dynamic lines, and expressive faces in the painting mirror the syncopated beats of jazz. Reiss’s work highlighted the Art Deco fascination with modernity and cultural dynamism, turning Harlem’s jazz culture into a visual symphony.
Moulin Rouge Poster by Charles Gesmar (1925)
The Moulin Rouge, synonymous with bohemian Parisian nightlife, became an iconic subject of Art Deco expression. Charles Gesmar’s poster for the Moulin Rouge in 1925 is a testament to the movement’s influence on the representation of entertainment. Reports suggest that Gesmar, inspired by the vibrant atmosphere of the cabaret, employed bold colours and striking shapes to evoke the energy of the performances. The poster not only promoted the venue but encapsulated the allure and sophistication of Parisian nightlife during the roaring 20s.
Entrance of the Eastern Columbia Building in Los Angeles by Claud Beelman
The Eastern Columbia Building in Los Angeles, designed by architect Claud Beelman and completed in 1930, stands as an Art Deco gem in the city’s skyline. Beelman had a strong commitment to creating a visual masterpiece. The building’s turquoise terra cotta facade adorned with geometric motifs and a clock tower exudes the glamour and luxury synonymous with Art Deco. The Eastern Columbia Building remains a testament to the movement’s impact on commercial architecture, transforming buildings into works of art.
Crown of the General Electric Building in New York by John and Elliot Cross
The General Electric Building, completed in 1931, boasts a striking crown designed by John and Elliot Cross. Cross and Cross had a fascination with modern technology and the aerodynamic forms that influenced their design. The crown, with zigzag patterns and illuminated by neon lights, adorns the building in a spectacular display of Art Deco exuberance. It not only served as a symbol of progress for General Electric but also became an iconic element in the New York City skyline.
Symphony in Black by Erté in 1892
While predating the official Art Deco period, Erté’s “Symphony in Black” serves as a precursor to the movement. The poster indicates Erté’s commitment to merging fashion and art, creating intricate and stylised illustrations. “Symphony in Black” exemplifies Erté’s signature aesthetic, characterised by elongated forms and geometric patterns. Erté’s work laid the groundwork for the visual language that would come to define the Art Deco movement in the following decades.
L’Entracte by Georges Lepape
Georges Lepape, a prominent illustrator of the Art Deco era, created “L’Entracte” as a reflection of the sophistication and allure of French high society. Lepape was dedicated to capturing the social interactions of the intermission during a theatre performance. The illustration, with its elegant figures, geometric shapes, and bold use of colour, shows the movement’s celebration of extravagance in society. “L’Entracte” serves as a visual ode to the glamour and excitement of the Art Deco era.
These Art Deco masterpieces are about a world of innovation, sophistication, and cultural dynamism. From towering skyscrapers to glamorous posters and illustrations, each artwork reflects the spirit of an era that embraced modern elegance, and the avant-garde. The Art Deco movement continues to captivate with its enduring legacy. Every time we design or wear something “vintage”, Art Deco, we pay homage to this benchmark art movement.
*Images from Wiki Commons
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