One of the truly alluring things about art deco is its optimism. Fundamentally, the use of varied and new materials, the sweeping masterstroke of its grandiose and larger than life imagery, the distilled ideas and sculpted design were a shared hope for better times. For it was, indeed, a transnational Read more…
The three American shows that minted deco American-style were far behind the European tide. It took almost a whole decade for the US to start showing deco exhibitions, following the now infamous 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris. (more…)
When I think of the 1920’s, sometimes I think of the iconic image of spoiled heiress Nancy Cunard modeling dozens of African-inspired arm bangles, or “Shipwreck Kelly” sitting on his flag pole in rain coat and hat for days upon end with masses of spectators at his feet. Why did they do it? Was Nancy really trying to make a statement about (more…)
The U.S., or, more correctly, Herbert Hoover acting as Secretary of Commerce, declined to participate in the 1925 Paris Exposition that defined Art Deco. Why? American advertisers were not modern! In fact, they were still relying on text to sell their wares, when most of Europe had moved to images Read more…
Many art deco themes revived old ethnic patterns. Designers and architects who favored Art Moderne design features were really culling the past for inspiration. It was a time of enjoying the exploration of the globe and all its ethnic influences. Picture merchant ships from around the world all docking at Read more…
When Art Deco was in production, it was called many things, like “zig-zag” and “modern.” It wasn’t until 1966 when Yvonne Brunhammer put together a seminal show at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, which she called “Art Deco” (for the decorative arts), that Art Deco was coined. The full title Read more…