Art Deco
Art Deco, sometimes referred to as Deco, is a visual arts, architecture, and design style that first appeared in France just before World War I and flourished internationally during the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. It is an eclectic style that combines traditional craft motifs with Machine Age imagery and materials.
Art Deco is characterized by rich colors, bold geometric shapes, and lavish ornamentation. It draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including ancient Egypt, Mayan and Aztec cultures, Cubism, and the Ballets Russes. Common motifs include stylized floral and animal forms, chevrons, zigzags, and sunbursts.
The style is often associated with luxury and modernity, reflecting a desire for progress and technological advancement in the interwar period. Art Deco emerged as a response to the austerity of World War I and the perceived excesses of Art Nouveau.
Key features of Art Deco design include:
- Geometric Shapes: Emphasis on streamlined forms, sharp angles, and symmetrical patterns.
- Rich Materials: Frequent use of luxurious materials such as chrome, stainless steel, exotic woods, lacquer, and precious stones.
- Bold Colors: A vibrant palette featuring jewel tones, metallics (gold, silver, bronze), and contrasting colors.
- Streamlined Forms: A sense of speed and efficiency, often inspired by automobiles, airplanes, and other modern technologies.
- Exotic Influences: Incorporation of motifs and patterns from ancient civilizations and non-Western cultures.
Art Deco influenced a wide range of design disciplines, including architecture, interior design, furniture, fashion, jewelry, graphic design, and industrial design. Prominent examples of Art Deco architecture include the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building in New York City. The style began to decline in popularity after World War II, but it experienced a revival in the late 20th century and continues to inspire designers today.