Week 7: Art Deco

 Art Deco is one of the steps in the emergence of modernism.  It started to emerge in the early 1920s in France, shortly after the end of World War I, and from there spread internationally.  Two groups became very apparent during this time, the functionalists and the decorators.  The functionalists desired simplicity and mass production in their designs, whereas the decorators wanted to focus on the craftsmanship and elite market.  In this style, rich materials, zigzag shapes, aluminum, and glass are all things that help identify Art Deco.

Many furniture pieces that were designed during the Art Deco time can still be seen in today's design.  Some prominent pieces were the elephant chair by Jacques-Emile Ruhlmann, the smoking table by Eileen Gray, and the cube chair by Jean Michel Frank.  They all have a sense of simplicity and elegance found in the shape and materials.




The image on the left is the elephant chair designed by Jacques-Emile Ruhlmann and the image on the right is of the Radio City Music Hall Lobby designed by Donald Deskey.



The image on the left is an excellent example of a modern-day art deco styled bathroom.  It uses rich materials and colors along with indirect lighting.  The image is on the right is of a kitchen styled in art deco as you can see in the countertops and backsplash.

ONE STEP FURTHER:
I decided that I wanted to go one step further into the life of Sonia Delauney who was a Ukrainian born French artist.  She studied at the Academy of fine arts in Germany and Palette Academy in Paris.  She was known for her geometric and colorful style, and she often use zigzags, stripes, and plaids.  She was more than an interior designer, but also worked in the fashion industry.  



The image on the left is a representation of Sonia's art deco dress designs.  You can clearly see the polka dots and bright colors that she is known for.  The image on the right shows a hallway that Sonia designed using rich materials and a special design for the floor.

The Life Of Sonia Delaunay - YouTube

Comments

  1. Dezaray MillerMarch 6, 2022 at 6:56 AM

    Emma,

    Mentioning the timing of the Art Deco period, is important. It gives more context to the upbringing of the style. I really like when you mentioned the shape and style of the Elephant chair. But you did a great job as showing this style in furniture, interior, and even fashion. I love the kitchen you chose too because it shows how it is still trendy and current style today.

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