“It was an age of miracles, it was an age of art, it was an age of excess, and it was an age of satire.” -F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Art Deco movement was born out of a desire to break away from the traditional styles of the past and embrace a new, modern aesthetic. It is inspired by designs of previous movements such as Art Nouveau, the Bauhaus, Viennese Secessionism, Cubism, and Serge Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes. Earlier inspirations stem from Ancient Egypt, Aztec, and other ancient Central American art forms.
Although there was not just one singular point in time when Art Deco design was created, le style moderne spread globally after the Paris Exposition, L’exposition internationale des arts decoratifs et industiels modernes, in 1925.
The term “Art Deco” did not officially appear until 1966 when Bevis Hillier coined the words to describe the design period from roughly 1919-1939, “Art Deco” derives from a shortened version of the phrase art decoratifs.
After the Paris Exposition, Art Deco made its way across the world, appearing in international events and fairs and integrating into society and culture as a movement. Because Art Deco design takes inspiration from industrialization and the new machine age, industrial designers were pivotal in developing the design into the 30s.
Sandwiched between two world wars, the Art Deco era was alive during a time when people looked forward to the future and embraced its optimism. The 1920s innovation, industrialization, and experimentation all added to this cultural ideology. Design, fashion, architecture, art, music, and dance were moving fast and developed into unique forms during the Art Deco movement. Everything from buildings to home appliances exemplified the deco design: Geometric shapes, bold colors, and a focus on luxury and glamour. It manifested the speed of the 1920s and 1930s.
What Defines Art Deco?
“Modernism means style versus styles” -F. Paul Frankl
The world responded to the heartache of World War I with a desire for change, optimism, and progress; and this cultural mindset led to a revolution in design. The explosion of Art Deco, or le style modern, moved away from a romanticization of the past (as the Arts & Crafts movement did before), and focused on modernity.
During the 1920s, bold geometric patterns, streamlined forms, and lavish ornamentation came into the popular view and evolved through the 1930s. Art Deco symbolized progress and the technological innovations that defined the Jazz Age. Cities such as New York, Chicago, and Miami showcased a large amount of Art Deco structures like the Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, and the vibrant Miami Beach District.
Not only were the people looking forward, they were also looking up. This was the age of the skyscraper. Classic Art Deco high-rises often featured materials like chrome, glass, ivory, and stainless steel, alongside stylized motifs that symbolized power, speed, and luxury. The country was ready and willing to unapologetically embrace the modernity of the Art Deco movement.
Art Deco is unapologetically modern. Even as it adapted and changed from the roaring 1920s to the streamlined 1930s, it maintained a sense of modernity and futurism. It is characterized by simplicity and symmetry – using streamlined shapes and movement.
Historically, Art Deco design utilizes man-made materials and embraces the qualities of man-made objects and machinery. Art Deco in art and design is a celebration of modern advances and cultural optimism.