DD1000 - art deco design movement skeleton draft

ORIGINAL POST DATE: SOMETIME IN NOVERMER OR OCTOBER

The Art Deco Design Movement - Skeleton Draft

Introduction

·         Art Deco is an exceptionally elegant and ornate style hinging on a sense of optimism and prosperity, and so, eras in which Art Deco appears are the most prosperous – 20’s, 60’s, 80’s (reference)

·         It is an extremely common style (especially in Europe? Double-check this!) and can be easily recognisable for a whole host of reasons (later in essay—materials, motifs, themes, etc.)

·         It’s a genuinely gorgeous style, too, able to capture the imagination of millions (reference), personal reason for choice

Early Days and Key Figures

·         The movement began in Paris in the 1920’s (reference)

·         It reached international fame from 1930 to 1939, at the dawn of World War 2, where it then promptly fell apart. (reference)

·         It was founded by a group of French artists who referred to themselves as ‘the Society of Decorator Artists’. (reference)

·         This group included Hector Guimard, Eugene Grasset, Rauol Lachenal, and Paul Bellot, who were the greatest influence on the principles of Art Deco. (reference--look up more)

·         Their purpose was to demonstrate French decorative arts and how they would evolve. (reference)

·         Art Deco was not named as such until 1968. (reference)

Influences on the Movement

·         It was created as an extension of Art Nouveau, so that was the most crucial influence on the entire Art Deco movement.

·         Where Art Nouveau was mostly serene and melancholy, Art Deco was more optimistic and hopeful (opinion here--reference if this is a common idea?)

·         Mathematical and geometric shapes also inspired the forms of figures in drawings, and the forms of buildings in architecture, something key in giving Art Deco such an iconic appearance. (reference)

·         That also helps in making the art elegant, stylish, and modern: the core intention of the movement. (reference)

·         Many different cultures and civilisations were also inspirational of the movement, too, such as ancient Egypt, Babylon, Aztec Mexico, and African art. (reference)

·         When Art Deco first raised its head, archaeology was fast becoming a popular pastime for the rich, and many of these new discoveries in themselves became a symbol of wealth, which, too, was the core of Art Deco.  (reference)

Themes of the Movement

·         It was ornamental and modern with the intention of showing off wealth, especially post-War during the 1920s. (reference)

·         No politics were involved within the movement as it was entirely a means of personal pride. (reference)

·         The wealthier countries became, the more the themes of Art Deco crop up. (reference)

Most commonly-used materials and Design Attributes

·         All materials used within Art Deco pieces are now strongly associated with wealth, and stylish elegance. These materials included animal hide, ebony, ivory, chrome, lacquer, stainless steel, inlaid wood, and aluminium. (reference + add more?)

·         Art Deco often made use of many iconic shapes and motifs. These included steeped forms, geometric curves, chevron patterns, fountains, sunrise motifs, iconic ‘Broadway’ font. (reference + add more?)

Notable Works and Structures

·         Golden Gate Bridge

·         the Chrysler Building

·         Midland Hotel

·         old theatres

·         US railways

·         (look up more)

End of the Movement

·         The initial surge of the movement ended at the dawn of the Second World War, due to many countries losing the wealth that formed Art Deco’s ethos. (reference)

·         There were resurgences in the 60’s and 80’s when there actually were booms of wealth. (reference)

Conclusion

·         Talk about how Art Deco has greatly influenced the art and design of today. (reference)