Art Deco, a visual arts movement that emerged in the 1920s, has left an indelible mark on the world of modern art, design, and architecture. Known for its bold geometry, sleek lines, and vibrant colors, Art Deco was a celebration of progress and luxury in the wake of World War I.
Although the Art Deco style reached its peak during the interwar years, its influence remained. To this day, the elegance of Art Deco still inspires artists, architects, and designers all over the world. This article explores how the hallmarks of Art Deco shaped modern art styles and other creative fields.
What is Art Deco?
Art Deco is a visual arts, architecture, and design style that emerged in the early 20th century and peaked in the 1920s and 1930s. It is characterized by bold geometric shapes, striking colors, and luxurious design elements that can all be found on the Depositphotos platform. The style often features symmetrical forms and intricate patterns to convey a sense of glamor and opulence.
History and Origin of Art Deco
Art Deco, short for Arts Décoratifs, first appeared in France before World War I and became popular in Europe and the United States a decade later. The movement received its official name in 1925 during the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts held in Paris, even though its influence had been seen in design and architecture for several years before.
Earlier art movements including the Arts and Crafts movement, Futurism, and Cubism had an impact on the style. Egyptian, Aztec, and other ancient Central American artwork served as further inspiration for Art Deco designers. Nonetheless, Art Deco developed as a reaction against the elaborate styles of the 19th century, particularly Art Nouveau.Â
From the 1920s to 1930s, Art Deco became the dominant decorative art style in Europe and the United States, influencing everything from fashion to furniture to architecture. Despite the Great Depression that began in the 1930s, Art Deco architecture spread across the US.
Three Key Characteristics of Art Deco that Affected Modern Art
1. Geometric shapes and symmetry
Art Deco is renowned for its use of precise geometric shapes and symmetrical designs. Square, triangle, and circle shapes, as well as zigzag, ziggurat, and chevron patterns, are commonly found in Art Deco artwork. This emphasis on clean, structured forms has had a profound influence on modern abstract art. Artists and designers began to adopt these principles, favoring abstraction that prioritized form over content.
2. Use of bold colors and contrasts
In addition to symmetrical lines, Art Deco is famous for its use of bold colors and strong contrasts, such as black paired with gold. They were designed to convey luxury, modernity, and optimism. This approach to color influenced contemporary art, particularly in how artists understand and apply color theory. Art Deco’s emphasis on color as a central expressive element encouraged artists to experiment with intense hues and sharp contrasts.
3. High-quality craftsmanship
One of the most defining aspects of Art Deco is its commitment to high-quality craftsmanship. Architects, designers, and artists place a high value on attention to detail and the use of luxurious materials. This was a response to the mass production of the Industrial Revolution.
Modern Art Styles Influenced by Art Deco
Minimalism
What is modern art without its predecessors? Minimalism, like many other modern art styles, was influenced by Art Deco. While Art Deco is often associated with luxury and ornamentation, it also laid the groundwork for the simplification of forms that became central to minimalism. Art Deco’s use of clean lines and geometric patterns was a precursor to the minimalist aesthetic, which prioritizes simplicity and clarity.
Pop art
The bright color schemes of modern pop art are a direct result of the experiments of Art Deco artists. Pop Art is known for its bold use of color, which often mimics Art Deco’s palette of vivid jewel tones and sharp contrasts.
Precisionism
The influence of Art Deco on Precisionism can be seen in the movement’s fascination with the architectural and industrial forms of the modern world—skyscrapers, factories, bridges, and machines. These subjects were depicted with an emphasis on their geometric structure, reflecting Art Deco’s love for order and symmetry.
Famous Modern Art Inspired by Art Deco
From theory to practice, let’s see how famous artists have incorporated Art Deco elements into their work.
1. Portrait of Madame M by Tamara de Lempicka
One notable example is Tamara de Lempicka, known for her glamorous and stylized portraits that capture the essence of the Art Deco era. “Portrait of Madame M” is a modern art painting that features sleek lines, geometric shapes, and a sense of glamor typical of Art Deco. The use of bold colors and sharp angles, characteristic of the artist’s work, pays tribute to the aesthetic of the 1920s and 1930s.
2. Symphony in Black by Erte
Erte, a key figure in Art Deco, created iconic fashion illustrations, including “Symphony in Black”. This piece features elongated figures, geometric lines, and a glamorous woman—all Art Deco hallmarks that continue to influence modern art.
3. Rythme by Sonia Delaunay
Although Sonia Delaunay is a pioneer of the Orphism movement, she incorporated Art Deco influences into her work “Rythme”. This piece showcases vivid geometric patterns and a rhythmic flow of colors, reflecting Art Deco’s emphasis on bold, abstract forms and dynamic compositions.
Closing Notes
The timeless influence of Art Deco continues to shape the visual landscape of modern art styles. Its celebration of luxury and modernity still resonates, inspiring not only artists but also architects and designers to combine elegance with innovation.
