Founded in the early 20th century, Art Deco is an art style that encompasses various art forms, including painting, sculpture, architecture, fashion, and more. One of the most prominent characteristics of Art Deco is the use of geometric shapes, bold colors, and streamlined forms. The style is associated with luxury, glamour, and modernity, and it remains relevant in the contemporary art scene.
In this article, we will focus on painting in the style of Art Deco. We’ll explore the history of the style, its defining features, and some of its most famous examples.
The History of Art Deco
Art Deco emerged in the aftermath of World War I, at a time when people were looking for new ways to express themselves and break away from the traditional styles of the past. The style was influenced by various art movements, including Cubism, Futurism, and Constructivism. It quickly became popular and spread throughout Europe and the United States, eventually evolving into a worldwide phenomenon.
Art Deco reached the peak of its popularity during the 1920s and 1930s, a time of economic prosperity and cultural vibrancy. The style was favored by the wealthy elite and was used to decorate many public and commercial buildings, including movie theaters, hotels, and department stores.
The Features of Art Deco Painting
Painting in the style of Art Deco is characterized by certain features that set it apart from other painting styles. Some of the key features of Art Deco painting include:
Geometric Shapes
Art Deco paintings often feature geometric shapes, including squares, triangles, and circles. These shapes are used to create a sense of order and balance in the painting.
Bold Colors
Art Deco paintings typically feature vibrant colors, including red, blue, green, and yellow. These colors are often used in contrast to one another, creating a bold and striking visual effect.
Streamlined Forms
Art Deco painting often features streamlined forms, reflecting the modernist sensibility of the time. These forms are sleek and elegant, conveying a sense of sophistication and glamour.
Famous Art Deco Paintings
There are many famous examples of Art Deco painting. Some of the most well-known include:
The Sunblind
Painted by Tamara de Lempicka in 1930, The Sunblind is a prime example of Art Deco painting. The painting features a stylized figure reclining on a chaise longue, surrounded by geometric shapes and bold colors.
The Potato Eaters
Although best known for his work in the Post-Impressionist style, Vincent van Gogh also experimented with Art Deco painting. The Potato Eaters, painted in 1885, features a group of people dining in a dimly lit room. The painting’s colors and forms are somewhat more muted than typical Art Deco painting, but its exploration of the everyday lives of working-class people foreshadows the realist tendencies of the movement.
The Electric Primitives
Painted by Fernand Léger in 1919, The Electric Primitives features a group of mechanized figures set against a backdrop of vividly-colored geometric shapes. The painting is an early example of Art Deco painting and reflects the influence of Cubism and Futurism on the movement.
Painting in the style of Art Deco remains an important part of the contemporary art scene. The movement’s emphasis on geometric forms, bold colors, and streamlined shapes continues to influence artists today, and many modern painters work in the Art Deco style. By studying the art of the movement’s pioneers and exploring the defining features of Art Deco painting, we can gain an appreciation for the glamour and sophistication of this iconic style.
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