When Art Deco began it was really it was almost an homage to previous Modernist traditions such as Cubism and De Stijl artists. from the beginning, however, it was not restricted to canvas art. From its early days in Paris at the start of the 1900s it became featured as a style in architecture and consumer products as much as in galleries.
One of the big reasons for Art Deco being so popular was that in its national search for a specific "American" art style, the USA sent delegates across to study art styles current across Europe. They took back elements of several styles, but were clearly influenced by Art Deco. They added elements of style from , for example, Italian Futurism and developed a streamlined version of the European style.
Once America had taken the movement on board it was inevitable that it would be taken on board by the exciting new developments in architecture - especially the growing trend of high rise "buildings as statements" such as the Chrysler Building. It was also a big influence on artists such as Le Corbusier.
Hollywood had a big role to play. Cinematic posters were amongst the most common ways for ordinary people to experience "Art". They film studios took to Art Deco in a big way.
In the "Roaring 20s", the period of of excess in style and the boom time for the US, Art Deco really flourished. It was seen in Clothing, advertising, cigarette lighters, jewelry, cars and other forms of transport,household goods such as lights, lamps, etc. It was everywhere. It had come to represent style and a sense of "feel good" exuberance.
No wonder I, like many others, still see the value in a style of art that could influence so much of everyday life, whilst bringing on such strong positive feelings.
I have tried to produce a range of modern images, produced using digital technology, to reflect that era. To see a selection visit The Digital Modernist website.
For more detail on the Art Deco Style and galleries of artwork see the section on The Digital Modernist site
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