Week 3: Art Nouveau Pt. 1

 Week 3: Art Nouveau Pt. 1

The Art Nouveau period, which means “new art”, took place 1890-1910. The Art Nouveau period originated in Britain, though France and Belgium were the main leaders of the movement. Germany, Spain, and the Scandinavian countries were also affected by the movement, as well.It was not based on traditional or historical design but by nature. It embraced technology and the manufacturing process. It occurred during a period of peace and prosperity in Europe. The growth supported new and experimental directions in design. It rejected academic models and the historical Victorian style and really focused on the inspiration of nature in design. Japanese art and designers' influence was evident as well, with works from Van Gogh, Edvard Munch, Gauguin, and Audrey Beardsley. 

Many pieces of furniture are recognized from this period, which used ornamentation based on natural forms and modern techniques. There are also many characteristics from this moment. Curvilinear forms were quite dominant in the designs. “Whiplash” was one of the most visible motifs. It was also very common to use decorative ornamentations and abstract forms of flowers, vines, shells, bird feathers, and insect wings. 

There were many influential designers during the Art Nouveau period. One of most influential of them was Victor Horta (1861-1947), a Belgian architect, designer and teacher. His works used unique iron railings and hardware, stenciled walls and ceilings, and mosaic patterned tiles on floor, walls, and ceilings. Henry Van de Velde (1863-1957), was another significant Belgian painter and practitioner. He is known for exploring the relationship between aesthetics and morality by observing nature. His pieces of furniture were very ergonomic and sculptural. 

Paris, France also had a big impact on Art Nouveau because of the artistic and intelligent designers who specialized in furniture and decoration. Some of them were Emile Galle, Louis Majorette and Hector Guimard. Guimard is well known as the most significant architect/designer in Paris. He created residential interiors and furnishings and utilized technology to create prefabricated standardized elements for installations for the Paris Metro Subway Station. He valued harmony and continuity. Spain also participated in the Art Nouveau movement with Anotonio Gaudi. Die Jugend (Youth) and August Engel adopted similar design styles in Germany. 

My favorite pieces from this period:

Tassel House, Brussels 1892 by Victor Horta

Hector Guimard Fireplace

Atelier Evira (1871 - 1912)

St. John's Cathedral, Tampere, Finland (1902 -1907)

One step further:

Hector Guimard lived from 1867- 1942. He was an architect, interior designer, industrial designer and writer. He studied at The Ecole Nationale des Arts Décoratifs and Ecole des Beaux- Arts in Paris. He became a designer of residential interiors and furnishings and of city signage and light standards (Metro-Paris). In his designs for the Paris Metro Kiosks he used an iron alloy, glass and stone. Guimard's designs looked handcrafted but were made in factories. He incorporated superb materials, fine and unique designs and carved wood in a curvilinear style.