ART DECO
EL PASO MUSEUM OF ART AUGUST 22- NOVEMBER 30,2017
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ART DECO Art Deco style was prevalent during the 1920s
Art Deco is characterized by the use of geo-
and 1930s. Prior to this movement, World War
metric patterns, circles, zigzags, squares, bright
I had occurred and by the end of Art Deco,
colors and often exotic themes from the cultures
World War II started. The Art Deco movement
of ancient Egypt, Mesoamerica, East Asia and
got its name and emerged after the Paris Ex-
sub-Saharan Africa. The main purpose of this
position Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et
style was to put behind the movement of Art
Industriels Modernes, a modern exhibition that
Noveau and create a projection of the new and
was described as the outcome of combining the
the present. Moreover, this happened because
decorative frenzy with Neo-classical and Cub-
of the industrial development of that era and
ist elements. These ingredients created a new
the need to experience a modern life. Art Deco
stylized gesture to be the hallmark of the Art
style was applied to many things, including
Deco style. Many countries developed a style
architecture, fashion, and graphic design.
of Art Deco. These included France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Italy, England and the United States.
Opposite:William Van Alen,Chrysler Building, 1929
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Architecture One of the key applications of Art Deco was architecture. Art Deco architects in America took the squares, circles, and triangles of plane geometry and merged them with the cone, cube, and sphere of solid geometry to create their own sacred geometry. As a result of new materials and methods of construction, there
“Art Deco was the most fashionable international design in modern art.�
was a huge improvement of new structures. Additionally, large silhouettes started to be seen in the skyline of New York City. These large silhouettes were named skyscrapers.
Edward Durell Stone, Radio City Hall, 1932
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Wirt C. Rowland, Guardian Building, 1929
William F. Lamb, Empire State, 1931
New York City landmarks such as the Chrysler
Two years later, the Empire State was built,
Building, built in 1929 by William Van Alen,
designed by William F. Lamb. This Art Deco
were admired not only for their height but also
landmark of New York City is one of the tall-
for their decorative ornaments in the exterior
est buildings in the United States. Likewise, the
and interior. In addition, the Chrysler Building
Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall and
was recognized for its structure and the deco-
Guardian Building are known for their Art
ration towards the spine of the building as the
Deco style.
tallest in the world.
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Fashion
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Art Deco style was applied to fashion. The
The idea of the “flapper�, a fashionable young
female figure was glorified at this time, due
woman intent on enjoying herself and flouting
to the radical change in its appearance and
conventional standards orf behavior, was in-
wardrobe. New trends included the use of gold
troduced during this era. The characteristic look
thread, pearls, short skirts, short hair, and geo-
of a flapper was short hair, a mid-length dress,
metric prints.
makeup, hats or headbands and high heels.
Common features of the dresses were beads, sequins, lace, chiffon, fringes, satin, shiny and shimmery fabric. The use of cloche hats was the most iconic of the decade. Magazine covers from Vogue and Vanity Fair depicted the latest styles. Designers like Coco Chanel and Paul Poiret created clothing that enhanced the lifestyle of women. Designer Paul Poiret was a significant exponent of the Art Deco. Poiret’s exoticized tendencies were expressed through his use of vivid color combinations and enigmatic silhouettes such as his iconic “lampshade” tunic and his “harem” trousers, or pantaloons. Coco Chanel enabled women to dance and move with ease. Her simplistic designs allowed for comfort and fashion at the same time. The “Ribbon Dress” is an example of Chanel’s approach to fashion and freedom.
Top: Paul Poiret, Dress, 1925 Bottom: Gabriel Chanel, Ribbon Dress, 1924
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GRaphic design
A.M. Cassandre, Dubo Dubon Dubonnet, 1932
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In addition to fashion, graphic design played
The style was associated with extravagance
an important role in the Art Deco style. Posters
that combined simplicity and modernity. Type
were adapted to reach a wide range of audi-
also played an important role. The official let-
ences to promote consumerism. Art Deco only
tering on most signs and buildings at the 1925
focused on style rather than an ideology; be-
Exposition was, Peignot. Designed by A. M.
cause of this, designers had the opportunity to
Cassandre, it became one of the typographic
experiment with imagery and type.
emblems of the age.
Cassandre also designed many Deco advertising pieces like those for Grand Sport, Au Bucheron and Dubonnet aperitif. These designs show how the use of geometry and lines attracted the audience. In the Au Bucheron campaign, diagonal lines lead the audience to the brand name. The gold background and the black figure contrasts to show the movement and power in the design. The Dubonnet campaign demonstrates the simple and creative way Casandre was able to represent the concept and translate it into a design. He played with the letters of Dubonnet and the concept of a glass of wine.
Top:A.M. Cassandre, Grand Sport, 1925 Bottom:A.M. Cassandre, Au Bรปcheron, 1923
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HEIRLOOM
Art Deco, a decorative style of the 1920s is still present nowadays. Some houses are using the architectural and interior design elements of Art Deco. Contemporary fashion designer Adrianna Papell creates Art Deco gowns at affordable prices. In addition, The Three Graces Left: Adrianna Papell, Art deco beaded gown, 2015 Right: The Three Graces Jewelry, Art Deco Collection, 2002
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jewelry offers a wide range of jewelry designs inspired by Art Deco.
The movie poster for the 2013 Baz Luhrmann remake of The Great Gatsby shows line patterns and Art Deco style type in gold. Overall, Art Deco made a mark in history inspiring others to recreate the elegance and luxury that this style represented. It not only impacted the 1920s, but it continues to influence art and design.
LIKE MINDED STUDIO, The Great Gatsby ,2013
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