Emergence of Art Deco Style - Essay Example

EMERGENCE OF ART DECO STYLE al Affiliation) Introduction Experts in arts have described art deco as a dimension of visual arts that that originated from the French region in early 1920’s (Searing, 2003). It was considered one of the most popular forms of art and it received tremendous appreciation in relation in various parts of the world (www.bbc.co.uk, n.d). Most colleges also focused on provision of courses that provided interested students with the knowledge of art deco style in order to ensure that it receives continuous appreciation. In as much as there were other forms of art that were appreciated in the world, art deco continued attracting global populace with many people showing interest in investing in this dimension of art (www.bbc.co.uk, n.d). In addition, the use of technology facilitated the provision of art deco style materials majorly through improvement of art technology and innovation geared towards improving art various forms of art (Ray, 2002). Most governments also showed a great sense of interest towards protection of ancient art deco style materials and equipment that are currently found in museums and other places where historical archives are safely stored (Ray, 2002). This research will focus on the emergence of art deco style, specifically describing in details its origins from the early 1920’s after the First World War to the 1940’s where art deco was greatly and positively influenced by the application of various technologies as well as modern art ideas. Emergence of Art Deco in the Early 1920’s The emergence of art deco as a dimension of art began in the early 1920’s; this period was characterized by a jovial mood following the incidences that were leading to the end of the First World War (Kim, 1997). The entire global populace was characterized by a feeling of bright future; different economies were rapidly developing, especially in Europe and the United States of America. People were filled with joy and high sense of liberty. During this period, Jazz Music was at its peak, while in some sections of the society, women and other minority groups had acquired their rights of voting, specifically during election periods (Benton, Benton & Wood, 2003). The society was also characterized by rapid emergence of tourism, which was popularly known as Leisure Travels’. The machine age and technology were also rapidly advancing; the quality of human life was improving at a rapid date (Benton, Benton & Wood, 2003). During this period, skyscrapers were built; radio was invented as well as the printing press. Historical evidence indicate that the society was filled with tremendous joy and their there was high level of anticipation of brighter future. Consequently, the hustle associated with these developments was accompanied with the rapid emergence of the Art Deco Style (Benton, Benton & Wood, 2003). Rapid Emergence of Art Deco in Paris, 1925 History indicates that a major arts’ exhibition was held in Paris during 1925; artists referred to this exhibition as ‘Exposition Internationale’ (www.art-deco-style.com, n.d). Major and popular artists, craftsmen, expert architects and designers from various parts of the World as well as in France attended this crucial event. The main activity was to showcase their work to the world. However, in relation to artistic aesthetics, the pieces of work that were showcased did not exhibit incidences of similarities (www.art-deco-style.com, n.d). The major surprising issue during this time was the fact that Art Deco was quite unique and eclectic in nature. Some members of the judging panel claimed the it appeared as a form of art that had been majorly influenced by futurism, modernism, art nouveau, Bauhaus as well as Neo-Classism. History of Art Deco Themes The major focus of the art exhibition in Paris in the year 1925 was directed towards the themes of technology, Leisure, Luxury as well as Modernity. Evidence indicates that the French Exhibition focused featured majorly the works of various French Artists. However, with specific regard to the Art Deco Movement, it was regarded as a global event that was experienced in various countries by people who had passion for arts: Specifically, the effects of Art Deco was majorly felt in India, European countries, Cuba, Mexico, the United States of America, Egypt, South Africa, East Asia, Australia and the Latin America. Artists of that period claimed that it was difficult to describe the appearance of art deco owing to the fact that it was composed by a mix of styles, which were eclectic. However, they asserted that its high quality was too obvious and could been seen. The Influence of Egyptomania on Art Deco Research indicates that focus of the 1925 Paris Art Exhibition was directed towards Art Deco Movement from various parts of France and a little consideration given to Art Deco Style in various parts of Europe. Although, in the year 1922, a tomb named Tutankhamun was discovered in Egypt. This triggered a global fascination with everything given a test of the Egyptian art. This was a major turning point for Art Deco style owing to the fact that it contributed to the aesthetic development of the Art Deco style. During the same year, Egyptomania, which was the name given to Egyptian Art rapidly spread to other parts of the world. It influence was evident on jewelry and ornamental materials as well as furniture and architectural designs. This led to the recognition of the Egyptian Ziggurat, referred as Classic Art Deco i.e. Egyptian Pyramids. Description of Art Deco Style This form if art is usually associated with bold and bright color such as: Turquoise, ruby, purple and yellow. In addition, it associated with unique shapes that take a symmetrical form and sleek aesthetics. The figure below indicates a form of Art Deco Style. An Art Deco Ceiling Increased Popularity of Art Deco Styles in the late 1930’s The development of furniture, skycrappers and other objects was shifted towards the Art Deco styles in the late 1920, with majority of these objects taking angular shapes, chevrons and zigzag patterns. The development of automobiles like trains, ships and cars began taken shapes that were considered aerodynamic and futuristic. The use of wooden materials, steel and iron was encouraged among artists to ensure that these automobiles attained sleek appearance associated with modernity and the future. The economy was rapidly developing and it gave artists a platform to apply the use of expensive materials such as jewelry made from onyx and diamonds as the use of Ivory and Mahogany in making furniture. Owing to the fact that Leisure Travels was also increasing in popularity, there was a need to undertake thorough marketing of destinations that were regarded as exotic and those that had been made in an Art Deco design. Research indicates that major developments were made during this time and that there was huge production in advertising materials developed from Art Deco styles for instance; travel posters (Walter, 1973). Some historians claim that the development of Art Deco was driven by the need to create an art that could be a Modernist Symbol of the Art Nouveau. However, this has been highly criticized by historians majorly those that claim that the development of Art Deco Style is nothing close to the Art Nouveau (Crimmins, 1996). Development of Art Deco in the 1930’s During the 1929, the stock market experienced a major crash, a scenario that was accompanied by the Great Depression (Gronberg, 1991). Its effects spread to various parts of the world; however, many families did not experience its effects for a period of over twenty years, thus giving the 1930’s a sense of soberness. This did not affect the development of the Art Deco, which continued in popularity and appreciation in various parts of the world. People from high end societies; that is, the rich and those that occupy societies considered high class continued showing high sense of appreciation to Art Deco Style materials, made by popular craftsmen and popular artists (Walter, 1973). On the other hand, materials that are less expensive were mixed with luxurious materials, which satisfied the poor people’s desires. In this regard, the middle and lower class societies were still in a position to access luxurious materials made in the form Art Deco (Crimmins, 1996). In the mid 1930’s, the society was highly affected by the great depression and this created a scenario where Art Deco became obscene and materials that took this form of art were only considered a reminder of the past forms of art. Some members of the society considered Art Deco a sense of extravagancy and opulence that did not depict the economic realities of the then society. Later on, there were threats of the Second World War that was looming compelling the society to look at Art Deco in a vehement way. The ultimate break of the Second World War triggered the end of Art Deco (Crimmins, 1996). How Designers Adapted to Art Deco as a New Design at different Times In Europe, specifically in the United Kingdom, the application of Art Deco was greatly appreciated by many designer and architects, who exhibited a high level of its influence of their work (Walter, 1973). Various public houses and structures were designed in the form of art deco as a benchmark design. Many architects and interior designers in the United Kingdom applied Art Deco knowledge to design doors, windows, ceilings and in some cases, roofs (Walter, 1973). One of the famous structures in London, the “former Arsenal Stadium”, is an indication of the manner through, which various designers adapted to Art Deco as a new design. In the year 1939, Owen Williams, one of the most respected architects of his time, designed the famous Express Building, indicating how designers adapted and applied art deco as the new and trending designs (Walter, 1973). Another incident that indicates how Art Deco style was adopted by many designers was evident through the design of the Du Cane Court, located in South West London. The building had a mixture of artistic styles adopted from various parts of Asia such as: Japan and China (Walter, 1973). In Spain, many designers, specifically architectures exhibited a high level of adoption of the Art Deco Style to design building and cities i.e. Valencia is a city developed using tremendous Art Deco styles. Research also indicates that the adoption of Art Deco style among designers was evident in Western Europe. This was specifically identified in Belgium where the largest building was designed using Art Deco Style. The building was referred as the “Basilica of the Sacred Heart”. It was designed by Albert Huffels, who was later awarded a Grand prize for this extra-ordinary design. The adoption of Art Deco was also evident in Germany in the early 1920’s and the late 1930’s. Many architects and designs applied concepts from Art Deco to design buildings and other major public structures. Conclusion From the research, it is evident that the emergence of the Art Deco, as a dimension of arts was positively received. It addition, technology is an imperative facet that facilitated the adoption of Art Deco thus improving its appreciation among the society. This is evident through the manner various expensive materials like diamonds and onyx were designed in the form of Art Deco. The influence of Art Deco was not only felt in Europe, but also in other parts of the World such as in Asia, Latin America and the United States; such a widespread of its application is basically an indication of how much this form of art was highly appreciated. Bibliography Art Deco. n.d.. BBC News. Retrieved August 12, 2014, from http://www.bbc.co.uk/homes/design/period_artdeco.shtml Art Deco History, Art Deco in the 1920s. n.d.. Art Deco History, Art Deco in the 1920s. 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