Art 101
Art deco emerged out of an effort to simplify the curved shapes and organic subjects of art nouveau. It emphasized an elegant and glamorous style based on geometric shapes, clean lines, thin forms, and vivid color. Art deco is inspired by motifs from the past—from the arts of Africa, Ancient Egypt, and Aztec Mexico. Artists were also inspired by the expanse of the industrial and technological age.
A variety of industrial materials were used such as metals, plastics and glass. Art deco also focused on abstract and repetitive forms and included modern elements such as machine and automobile patterns, and other industrialized shapes. The art deco style was also widely expressed in the form of architecture (most notably New York City’s skyscrapers including the Chrysler building), fashion, furniture, jewelry and film.
Art Deco design also manifested itself in the bold and iconic advertising posters of the 1920s and 1930s.
Famous Art Deco Artists:
Adophe Mouron (printmaker)
Tamara de Lempicka (painter)
William Van Allen (architect)
Rene LaLique (glass maker)
Example of Art Deco: The Musician, 1929 by Tamara de Lempicka
