Art Deco

The Art Deco style also called style moderne, originated in Paris. ''Art Deco design represented modernism turned into fashion'' (The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica, 2017) . The movement's works are symmetrical, geometric, streamlined, frequently uncomplicated and captivating. Art Deco’s distinctive characteristics of the style derive from repetitive use of linear, geometric, clean shapes including triangular, zigzagged, trapezoidal and chevron-patterned forms often with a streamlined look. Art Deco is a modern art style that endeavours to introduce practical and useful articles with artistic touches emphasizing on the individuality and innovative handmade articles and featured stylized, structured configurations.

Even though Art Deco articles were hardly mass-produced, the characteristic features of the styles brought about a good impression of appreciation for the modernity of the machine and for the intrinsic standards of the design of machine made articles. The articles incorporated both independently crafted objects and mass- produced specified types but the objective was to invent an aerodynamic and nontraditional refinement that represented affluence and worldliness. Art Deco innovators designed limited-edition articles. 

État Cabinet (1922) by Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann

État Cabinet

Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann was born in a family that possessed an ornament enterprise. Therefore, for Ruhlmann it was innate that his inventiveness would be expressed in lavish home articles for which he became popular. He created furniture and light fittings to a mixture of further ornamental essentials like wallpaper. Ruhlmann created an original aesthetic home piece of furniture using unusual, exotic woods with ivory ornamentation. In his pieces of furnishings, Ruhlmann gave an idea with an amalgamation of Art Deco together with the luxurious and decorative Art Nouveau style. This cabinet features an elaborate floral design made from wood that contrast with ivory. It differs from Art Nouveau in its symmetry and restricted colours.

Egyptienne chiming clock (1927) by Louis Cartier

Egyptienne chiming clock

When the tomb of Tutankhamun was excavated, it lead to immediate global fascination. The French jeweler Louis Cartier converted this fascination into his works, many of which incorporate traditional Egyptian materials and decorative techniques. ''Cartier even used authentic historical relics for some pieces'' (Glennon, 2017). The use of simplified geometric shapes, fields of unblended colour, symmetry and an emphasis on line are exemplary of this. American Art Deco artists, architects and designers tried vigorously to create an incredibly international style (Glennon, 2017). 

This detailed clock resembles the Egyptian temple architecture and decoration with its inlaid reliefs depicting human and divine figures. The base of the clock is carved from Lapis Lazuli which is a deep blue stone thought to possess divine powers and commonly associated with the creator goddess Isis, who is represented by the winged figure who appears at the top of the clock.

High Line Park in New York

High Line Park railings

The railings have repetitive use of linear, geometric, clean shapes. The old Art Deco railings of the High Line park were repaired by having the steel processed and restored misplaced pieces to their authentic design.

Harrods Shoe Salon by Shed

Spiral patterns below the ceiling at Harrods Shoe Salon

Harrods Shoe Salon was designed with an Art Deco theme. The interior attributes with spiral patterns above the ceiling. The sleek floors are made of marble with brass edges and complexed with sparkling ice blue glass. Even the stands are made of marble and its shelves of glass edged with brass. Coneshaped chandeliers  hang over featured collections. The aesthetic draws inspiration from Art Deco and combines classicism with ethos and mystique. This can be seen in every element of the environment, in the materials, colours, lighting and furniture as well. 

Coneshaped chandelier at Harrods Shoe Salon

References

Research:

"Art Deco Movement Overview and Analysis". [Internet]. 2017. TheArtStory.org . Content compiled and written by Jen Glennon. Edited and published by The Art Story Contributors. Available from: http://www.theartstory.org/movement-art-deco-artworks.htm [Accessed 16 April 2017]

Rose Etherington. "Harrods Shoe Salon by Shed'' [Online]. 1 March 2011. Dezeen. Available from: https://www.dezeen.com/2011/03/01/harrods-shoe-salon-by-shed/ [Accessed 16 April 2017]

The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. "Art Deco" [Online]. 27 February 2017. Encyclopædia Britannica. Available from: https://www.britannica.com/art/Art-Deco [Accessed 16 April 2017]

"High Line Park in New York"[Online]. 13 February 2017.  WikiArquitectura. Available from: https://en.wikiarquitectura.com/building/high-line-park-in-new-york/ [Accessed 16 April 2017]

Images:

"Art Deco Movement Overview and Analysis". [Internet]. 2017. TheArtStory.org . Content compiled and written by Jen Glennon. Edited and published by The Art Story Contributors. Available from: http://www.theartstory.org/movement-art-deco-artworks.htm [Accessed 16 April 2017]

Rose Etherington. "Harrods Shoe Salon by Shed'' [Online]. 1 March 2011. Dezeen. Available from:https://www.dezeen.com/2011/03/01/harrods-shoe-salon-by-shed/ [Accessed 16 April 2017]

"High Line Park in New York"[Online]. 13 February 2017. WikiArquitectura. Available from: https://en.wikiarquitectura.com/building/high-line-park-in-new-york/ [Accessed 16 April 2017]