Art Deco

Art deco style

Art Deco is an art style that has become iconic of the Roaring Twenties, with its large art pattern designs, exuberant shapes, and modernistic feel. This art style celebrated luxury items, opulence, and everything to do with Jazz culture of the day. Even though art deco was embraced in the 1920’s, this art form dates back to early 1900’s. Characteristics of art deco include bold lines, strong geometric shapes such as sunbursts or zigzags as well as a combination of traditional craftsmanship with manufactured materials. It also takes its inspiration from ancient Egypt and classical Europe and is often seen in structures such as bridges and monuments. The art deco style was used in architecture, furniture design, jewelry making and other art forms to create lush lifestyles for those residing in the most affluent areas of society. It continues to be an influence to this day spanning multiple mediums from the theatre stage to cars such as Ford Mustang Mach-E.

Art deco architecture

The harmonious blend of style and functionality found in Art Deco architecture has captured the imaginations of architects and design enthusiasts alike for nearly a century. This sophisticated and highly decorative approach first captured the world's attention in the 1920s, injecting a sense of glamour, luxury and optimism into sleek, streamlined buildings that were flourishing across metropolises. Its awe-inspiring symmetrical patterns, bold use of colour, and eclectic mix of materials like chrome, glass, and terrazzo embody the technological innovations and newfound accessibility of the era. Influenced by the bold geometry of ancient cultures and the Machine Age, Art Deco architecture flourishes in a diverse array of structures, from the grand and imposing skyscrapers of Manhattan to the chic cinemas and coastal hotels of Miami Beach. Even now, as the next wave of contemporary architectural styles emerges, Art Deco continues to capture hearts and minds with its exquisite balance of elegance, exuberance and efficiency.

The progression of decorative arts

Decorative arts have been around since the Stone Age, where early humans created hand-crafted decorative objects for their homes and daily lives. During the Renaissance period, decorative arts flourished as decorative pieces became increasingly elaborate, displaying intricate details and often made of precious metals or stones. As industrialization took off in the 19th century, decorative arts developed into a major art form in its own right. This new field combined notions of fine artistry with modern production techniques to create a wide range of decorative objects from glassware to textiles and home furnishings. Today decorative arts remain an important part of our everyday lives with many households featuring decorations that showcase various skilled craftsmanship traditions from all over the world.

Top 5 artists in art deco design

Though it’s been around for nearly a century, Art Deco is still as relevant today as it was back in its origins of the 1920's. Here we look at five of the most famous Art Deco paintings that everyone should know about.

Café Terrace at Night by Vincent van Gogh (1888)

This painting depicts the eponymous café terrace in Arles, France on a quiet night lit up by the stars. The composition of Café Terrace at Night is somewhat abstract and incorporates elements of both Impressionism and Post-Impressionism into its design. It’s one of van Gogh’s most iconic works and has been praised for its ability to capture the beauty and tranquility of the night sky.

The Luncheon Of The Boating Party by Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1881)

This painting depicts 14 people enjoying lunch on a boat along the Seine river in Paris, France. It’s one of Renoir’s most well-known works and has become an iconic symbol of the city of Paris. The painting features bright colors, bold lines, and strong geometrical patterns which are all hallmarks of Art Deco style.

The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh (1889)

This iconic painting features a night sky filled with swirling stars and a small village set against a backdrop of mountains. It’s considered to be one of van Gogh’s most recognizable works and has been praised for its unique use of color, light, and texture. This painting also incorporates elements of Expressionism into its design which adds even more depth to its already captivating composition.

Le Grand Cirque de Montmartre by Raoul Dufy (1925)

This painting was created during the height of Art Deco’s popularity in Europe during the 1920s. It depicts an audience gathered around an outdoor circus performance in Paris with bold lines, vibrant colors, and strong geometric patterns characteristic of Art Deco style. This work is considered to be one of Dufy’s masterpieces and has become an iconic symbol of Parisian culture.

Young Woman with Pigeons by Tamara de Lempicka (1926)

This painting features a young woman surrounded by pigeons in what appears to be a garden or park setting. The woman is dressed in traditional 1920's fashion with bright colors, strong lines, and geometric shapes characteristic of art deco style. This work is considered to be one her most famous paintings and has become an iconic symbol of art deco style throughout the world.