Art Deco
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When most think of Art Deco they associate it with the 20's and 30's and for the US that is accurate, but the movement came out of a transitional period in the early 1900's that began in Paris. In 1901 began the Soiete des Artistes Decorateurs, where designers could exhibit their work. There was talk of a desire to return to a purely French mode without the influence of foreign design, as well as a desire to rid design of the curve, which was predominant within the Art Nouveau style. Art Deco would've reached maturity by 1920 had it not been for World War I. The war prolonged the peak of this style and helped to maintain its longevity and intensity. This style is said to have began with the influence of set designer Leon Bakst who is known for the elegant set of the 1909 Ballets Russes of Paris.
Art Deco is most noted for abstract designs, bright colors and bold elements. The style also contains sunburst, zigzag and chevron patterns. Furniture designs included the use of exotic woods such as rosewood, Macassar ebony, and amboyna because they could be layered with rich veneers that accentuated there textures and grains. Sharkskin, parchment, snakeskin and lacquer were applied to add color and interest. It should be noted that the very elements that were sought to be forgotten and forsaken when the movement first began are some of the very elements that give Art Deco its uniqueness. Styles of Neoclassical and Empire can be seen in the octagonal and oval forms as well as the contrasting veneers. A low center of gravity and use of black and lacquered finishes lend to a Chinese style. Industrial materials like aluminum and chromium give a machine aesthetic and even Cubism can be seen in the use of vibrant colors and geometric shapes as well as a primitive style found in using exotic woods and other natural materials with an unusual flair.
There are several architects and designers that stand out from this period, one being Adolphe Chanaux. This excellent furniture designer excelled using the above elements and even included vellum, ivory and straw marquetry. In America names like Donald Deskey, William Van Alen, Ralph Walker and Jacques L. Delamarre and Irwin S. Chanin gave designers and architects a platform to dive into fame. Buildings like the Rockefeller Center, the Chrysler Building, the Chanin Building, Majestic Apartments and Radio City Music Hall came into view. Ocean liners, cinemas, hotels, trains and even salons became a symbol of a life of luxury. Of course coming out of a World War would make anyone want to live in the glitz and glamour in order to forget the horror that had proceeded, but by the onset of World War II, most felt as if this life of luxury had run its course and it was time to become more conservative. Regardless, Art Deco lives on even today. It's influence can still be seen in furniture, decor and even fashion. Movies and music that represent that time in history are embraced by a people who still secretly desire to have lived in an era with such elegance and grace.
Art Deco is most noted for abstract designs, bright colors and bold elements. The style also contains sunburst, zigzag and chevron patterns. Furniture designs included the use of exotic woods such as rosewood, Macassar ebony, and amboyna because they could be layered with rich veneers that accentuated there textures and grains. Sharkskin, parchment, snakeskin and lacquer were applied to add color and interest. It should be noted that the very elements that were sought to be forgotten and forsaken when the movement first began are some of the very elements that give Art Deco its uniqueness. Styles of Neoclassical and Empire can be seen in the octagonal and oval forms as well as the contrasting veneers. A low center of gravity and use of black and lacquered finishes lend to a Chinese style. Industrial materials like aluminum and chromium give a machine aesthetic and even Cubism can be seen in the use of vibrant colors and geometric shapes as well as a primitive style found in using exotic woods and other natural materials with an unusual flair.
There are several architects and designers that stand out from this period, one being Adolphe Chanaux. This excellent furniture designer excelled using the above elements and even included vellum, ivory and straw marquetry. In America names like Donald Deskey, William Van Alen, Ralph Walker and Jacques L. Delamarre and Irwin S. Chanin gave designers and architects a platform to dive into fame. Buildings like the Rockefeller Center, the Chrysler Building, the Chanin Building, Majestic Apartments and Radio City Music Hall came into view. Ocean liners, cinemas, hotels, trains and even salons became a symbol of a life of luxury. Of course coming out of a World War would make anyone want to live in the glitz and glamour in order to forget the horror that had proceeded, but by the onset of World War II, most felt as if this life of luxury had run its course and it was time to become more conservative. Regardless, Art Deco lives on even today. It's influence can still be seen in furniture, decor and even fashion. Movies and music that represent that time in history are embraced by a people who still secretly desire to have lived in an era with such elegance and grace.
