History of Art Deco

Art is the expression of the contemporary society and thus it is natural for it to be influenced by the issues surrounding the area it originates. Every substantial event in history, every revolution or shift of political power, every thought proposed by a philosopher leaves it mark in the field of Art. One such movement that influenced art was from 1925 to 1939 and was known as the Art Deco movement. Although many art historians like to date the movement to as early as 1900’s and up to 1950s, it is commonly accepted to have flourished between the two World Wars. Its influence can be seen in almost all forms of art, like architecture, interior design, industrial design, visual arts like painting, fashion, films and other forms of graphic arts too.

Historically speaking, this form of art was influenced by a number of major art movements in history like the Neo Classical movement, Modernism, Art Nouveau, and Futurism. This art form was really a modernization of most of these earlier art forms and you shouldn’t be surprised if you see some form of Art Deco in early Greek or Middle Eastern or even Mayan art.

But one would wonder, why Art Deco. How did this name originate? Well, it came as a result of the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs Industriels et Modernes that was held in Paris in 1925. Some of the well known artists who contributed a lot to this art form include big names like Tamare de Lempicka, the renowned jeweler and glassmaker. The design of architect, William Van Alen is considered one of the finest examples of this art form. He is credited with the design of the world famous Empire State Building, yes, an Art Deco example. Although the style had been around for some time, this art form got maximum fame after the book Art Deco of the 20’s and 30’s written by Bevis Hiller in 1968. The other book that made Art Deco reach its zenith in popularity was the 1971 book called The World of Art Deco written by the famous writer and authority in the subject, yes, Hiller again.

Art Deco basically involves using materials like aluminum, steel, inlaid wood and lacquer. It is an elegant form of design and is based on mathematical and geometric shapes. It is one of the few art forms that also have elements of science in it as it drew on Streamline technology. The themes of Art Deco involved jumbled shapes and zigzagged shapes. Although the movement soon declined after reaching mass production, a lot of fine examples of buildings based on this art form were destroyed during the Second World War. However, there are still some remaining examples of it that can be found, especially in Cuba. There is the famous Bacardi Building, which is also famed for the influence of Art Deco. Napier in New Zealand was made on the basis of Art Deco style after a deadly earthquake that completely destroyed it in 1931.

This elegant design has received a lot of attention in recent years as many have found that art deco styling is quite timeless. Houses can be decorated in the Art Deco style and retain a sense of sophistication and appeal for many years to come.