blog 5.2

1. what characterists does the art deco movement share with the art nouveau and modern movements?
2. how did the popular culture of the era help to spread the art deco style?
3. How did design change as a result of the new materials developed in the 1920s and 1930s?



1. The Art Deco movement shares characteristics with the following by:

a) Art Nouveau- rich colour schemes (jewel tones), curling lines, inspiration from the female form, the use of precious and other metals, an attitude for luxury/ handmade goods, repetitive motifs (ie flower).

b) Modern- streamlining, the use of geometric shapes, grids and simplicity.


2. Jazz music was edgy, sexy, cool and daring- all things that are very desirable post war. Suddenly, the public had freedom again and were ready to live for the day- which leads to our next cultural influence; Hollywood lifestyle.
For the first time, the general public had celebrities to look up to; jazz musicians and movie starts. They had someone to emulate other than war heroes and the housewives before them.

A new celebrity driven culture began.

People now emulated and desired after wht was going on in Hollywood; luxury, sexiness and a renewed sense of self. People wanted to be able to bathe themselves in riches that were "hidden" during the war. They greedily guzzles up the glamour and soaked themselves in a modern take on Art Nouveau.


3. Design didn't change so much as adapt to it's new surroundings. People love new things and will take advantage of them. New materials are new differen't. Take bamboo for modern day. It's a new fabric and designers are all over it. Fashion is all about what's hot; what's now and designers relish the ability to use new fabrics and make the most of it.