Art Nouveau Design Essay

Art Nouveau was an art and design movement that originated from 19^th century Western Europe till the First World War. Art Nouveau was a style that influenced a lot of media, from art to architecture and furniture because of its decorative and organic nature. (The History of Art Nouveau – Painting-Drawing-Artist Documentary, 2014)

The idea of this movement was born when British artists saw Japanese designs. At that time, Japanese art style was new and original for the British as well. Art Nouveau was a movement that was mainly inspired from nature itself. Thus, designers and artists relied on many organic forms and shapes, very decorative material and patterns and the sense of flow. Art Nouveau was also influenced from the arts and crafts movement as they focused a lot on the aesthetics of the object. Opposite to the arts and crafts movement, Art Nouveau designers were quite happy with mass production. (The History of Art Nouveau – Painting-Drawing-Artist Documentary, 2014)

Many Art Nouveau designers believed that the function of the object should follow and shape its form.

Art Nouveau design had two different styles, one that consisted more of organic and decorative style while that of German Art Nouveau consisted more of geometric forms and were less decorative than the organic ones. (Lecturer’s notes)

The Majolica House is a clear example of organic Art Nouveau design by Otto Wagner. At that time, Wagner was part of the Secessions movement and they mark a new and revolutionary way of enlightenment. Although the building itself is rectangular in shape, the flower patterns are a typical Art Nouveau style commonly found on other media such all wallpapers or in fashion. Seeing this amazing pattern as an exterior decoration of a building is quite original. The colourful pattern is also quite original and gives a sort of character to the building itself. One could see the same design on the metal railings as well. (Housing Prototype, The Majolica House)

The Altes Stadthaus is an example of German Art Nouveau designed by Ludwig Hoffmann. This building is less decorative then the Majolica House, as because German Art Nouveau was less decorative. The building consist of a lot of geometric forms but what I find interesting is the effect the shade cast on to the building itself. (Altes Stadthaus, 2014)

Although Art Nouveau disappeared before the First World War, today it is still being practiced by designers and artists because of its beauty. We can see these revivals in forms of art, in fashion, graphic design, and jewelry and even in furniture and architecture.

Here is a modern take on modern Art Nouveau architecture using wood. The architects manage to combine organic and geometrical shapes together to create this beautiful exterior. The vertical lines create an interesting effect because of the shadows while the flowness and continuity of the organic lines create a sense of “freedom”. What is also interesting is the contrast between the wood and the glass material as well.

Bibliography

1.) The History of Art Nouveau – Painting-Drawing-Artist Documentary, 2014 (video file), Available from: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjy_XFUjSn0>. [Accessed 29 December 2014]

2.) Wolf, Art Nouveau, 2014, The Art Story, Available from: <http://www.theartstory.org/movement-art-nouveau.htm> [Accessed 29 December 2014]