The Introduction of Art Nouveau

In the late 19th century, the simple lines of Arts and Crafts design were beginning to fall out of favor, and the complex, eclectic Art Nouveau took the stage. It began in architecture and found its way to the decorative arts, graphic design and illustration. Who has not seen an Art Nouveau poster?! Artists of the time wanted to break free of historical references with a new visual language inspired by the flowing lines of nature. Art Nouveau was all about line and decoration. Design was flamboyant, voluptuous, undefined, abstract and energetic, rebelling against the restricted, previous era. The historical context of Art Noveau The Industrial Revolution was well established, and it was the influence for this modern, urban design that was popular all over the world, except the US. There it was seen as decadent and socialist, but the US did produce Tiffany lamps. Their complexity and inability to be mass-produced were in line with Art Nouveau concepts. Tiffany lamps were very popular in France during this time. Art Nouveau is based on: A new visual language of line and form that is dynamic Form over function A connection between fine art (painting and sculpture) and applied art (furniture, ceramics, practical objects) Design concepts applied to everyday objects Craftsmanship with new materials (steel, iron, glass, ceramics, reinforced concrete) Art Nouveau and urban renewal Urban renewal was the perfect opportunity for Art Nouveau architecture. Schools, churches, offices, hotels and stores in city centers were of iron and glass with a flowing, sculptural feel. Floral ideas were interpreted with sinuous lines and whiplash curves. Expanses of windows brought the outdoors in, and open floor plans contributed to a free, expressive feeling. Architects of the time were socialists wanting to improve the quality of life for everyone. Atonio Gaudi (Spain), Victor Horta (Belgium), Henry van de Velde (Belgium) and Hector Guimard (France) were the major players. Art Nouveau was all encompassing. Designers believed architecture and interiors should be one, and all the pieces would become a single work of art. Interiors exhibited the same graceful, flowing, organic structure and details as exteriors. Stair bannisters, lighting fixtures, windows, carpeting, furniture and wall art embodied the same concepts. Gustave Serrurier-Bovy, wood furniture, and Art Nouveau Despite the interest in modern materials, furniture was still made of carved wood. Gustave Serrurier-Bovy was the most well known Art Nouveau furniture designer in Belgium, and today he is still considered the master. He used mahogany, ash and oak for simple, refined cabinets and wardrobes that had a rustic look to them. Fittings were brass and copper, and some pieces had mirrors and glass cabinet doors. Thonet’s Bentwood furniture was popular, because of the beautiful curves. Other furniture designers were Louis Majorelle, Richard Riemerschmid and Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Art Noveau and lithography Advertising posters became works of art, being influenced by Japanese block prints and Renaissance and medieval design. Alphonse Mucha created the first Art Nouveau poster for Sarah Bernhardt, a popular actress. Posters became very popular and easy to produce, due to lithographic printing. To me, Koloman Moser’s work most resembles the sinuous lines of Art Nouveau furniture and architecture. Most posters showcased a figure or two (generally women) with bright colors, intricate text and the characteristic curves. Gustave Klimt, Henri Toulouse-Lautrec and Aubrey Beardsly were other well-known poster artists. Art Nouveau curves, colors and rebelliousness influenced the political posters of the 1960s. Art Nouveau’s influence on the 20th century Art Nouveau was the high point of Victorian excess. Near the end of the era, in the early 20th century, Art Nouveau design became more geometric with hard, straight lines. Art Deco was now on the rise from the need for design to be more streamlined and less flamboyant. Although the Art Nouveau era was short-lived, it has since been a big influence on international design. Source: blog.builddirect.com