My research of Art Deco highlighted to me how these Artists used sketches to produce their work rather than the use of photographs which floods the contemporary scene.
Art Deco (1910-1939) originated from the ‘Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs Industriels et Modernes,’ held in Paris. This was a follow-up of the Art Nouveau style but brought a more simplified version that was closer to mass production.
Art Deco was a elegant design style dominant in decorative fashion, jewellery, textiles , furniture, interior design and architecture.
Artists of the time included Tamara de Lempicka, Rene Lalique, Erte and Adolphe Mouron. Examples of Art Deco Architecture can be found in New York in the form of the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Buildings. The Empire State Building, designed by William Van Alen, is considered to be one of the world’s greatest Art Deco Buildings.
Art Deco became a showcase of modern society throughout the world and for the first time, styles became international. Its sense of modernity, as its simple and elegant style has proven itself through time.
Art Deco Posters
After World War 1, Art Nouveau’s organic inspiration seemed irrelevant in an increasingly industrial society. New realities were better expressed in the modern movements of Cubism, Futurism, Dada and Expressionism, all which would have a profound and lasting influence on graphic design.
In the Soviet Union the Constructivist movement told hold in the 1920’s, creating a new technological society which moved on from the Suprematist Movement and developed an agitational style of work, marked by strong diagonals, photomontage and colour. These constructivists including Lissitsky, Rodchenko, Klutis and the Stenbergs would have a major impact on Western Design. We now had a new decorative international movement called Art Deco. This came about by the introduction of machine power which allowed for speed and style. Shapes became simplified and streamlined with curved letterforms replaced by angular ones.
