Evolution of the Art Deco Movement

Art Deco, Art Auctions and the Art Deco Evolution

Nikki Freeman
Modern art as an art genre demonstrates unique and controversial art techniques. There are many reasons why modern artists are considered quite different from the conventional fine artist. Art deco plays a large and impressively lavish part in the evolution of the modern art community. The bold colors and blending curves are the key to true art deco creations, while expressive and bold colors also contribute to the role of the art deco movement. There are world renowned art auctions that still display and sell many art deco pieces of various kinds.

By the 20th century the art of decoration became what is now know as the art deco genre, becoming a very strong influence on architecture, fashion, the visual arts as well as design. The term 'art deco' was conceived from an exhibition that took place in Paris, France. This exhibition was named the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes in the year 1925.

While the art Deco term comes from the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes, it was not mainly used only until the late 1960s. Mostly because pre- World War I Europe had an effect upon the art world. This movement still managed to touch many areas of the art world. Much of the industry was experiencing similar shifts, including technology, the photograph and other forms of fine art emulation.

The art deco movement happen to really intrigue most of the admiring public. It was something different that brought about advances in technology and social interest groups earlier during the 21st century. While this art deco culture reacted to these ever growing changing times, the art deco art genre was still a part of the culture.

When you think of art deco, you mostly attribute eclectic type of decoration and modern design. This is mostly influenced by different types of artists and various art forms. Furniture, clocks, glasswork, metalwork, and screens as well as many other types of fine art pieces.

The art deco style is known for its lavishness and epicurean flairs that are attributed to the austerity of culture brought about by World War I. Strong patterns and bold colors and shapes were used, as were many particular motifs used universally.

For example, the sunburst motif was used in everything from the Radio City Music Hall auditorium, images of ladies' shoes, the spire of the Chrysler Building and several other pieces of art, architecture and design. Other ubiquitous motifs found in art deco were stepped forms, the zigzag, chevron patterns and sweeping curves.

In the West, art deco lost its steam around the Second World War, but continued to be used all the way into the 1960s in colonial countries such as India, where it served as a gateway to Modernism. Then in the 1980s art deco made a comeback in graphic design. Art deco's association with 1930s film noir led to its use in both fashion and jewelry ads.

Today art deco is revered by many and dismissed as old news and overly gaudy by others. Though it undoubtedly played a major part in art history, as with most art, individual taste frames the individual's interpretation and like or dislike of art deco styles.

Art deco is one of the most well known art movements. This is mostly due to its wide base of influences and influenced art forms and cultures. Since much of the world was experiencing many of the same advances in technology and mass production, many of the same ideas and symbols were relevant in various parts of the world.

Published by Nikki Freeman

Freelance Writer, Graphic Designer, Web Designer. My first passion was writing, my second Art, my third singing/songwriting/music/my guitar, fourth technology. Put them all together and somehow they manage t...  View profile

  • By the 20th century the art of decoration became what is now know as the art deco genre
  • This exhibition was named the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes
  • Art Deco Plays a large role in the evolution of modern art
When you think of art deco, you mostly attribute eclectic type of decoration and modern design.

3 Comments

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  • angiejgray1/31/2010

    very concise and well-written piece about art deco, like the art form itself.

  • Audrey M. Brown2/13/2008

    I just love deco art, and deco era homes. It's a shame that the smoothness and fluidity of the movement didn't always stay in style.

  • Alyce E. George7/3/2007

    great article! it's nice to see someone write about art! esp. something as cool as art deco!

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