Streamlining

Effects of streamlining a vehicle

 

Streamlining also known as Streamline moderne and art moderne was and still is an important innovation in the way we design the exterior of our products and vehicles.

It first started to be extensively used in the 1930’s when the world was going through the great depression caused by World War II. Streamlining was all about removing or at least reducing the excessive decoration and ornamentation on objects just like the constructivists making the constructivists a great inspiration for the movement. Their goal was to make them more economic and simple in appearance, the world was already used to art deco before the arrival of streamlining.

 

My view on this style is mixed, I can understand the their excitement for innovation and improvement for more efficient modes of transport but I can no help but feel like the industrial designers of the time capitalized on the style incorporating it on products that don’t make use of its hydrodynamic and aerodynamic properties to make more sales. Personally I like the horizontal orientated forms and linier/tear drop shapes that are iconic in this style. I incorporate the principals of streamlining to all my moving concepts and prototypes to reduce their drag and increase efficiency.

 

Streamlined push scooter

 

streamlined powered scooter

 

An industrial designer that could be called the father and inspiration of the movement is Raymond Loewy who was born in Paris, France in 1893 and died in 1986 in Monte Carlo.

 

Raymond Loewy

 

Most of Raymond Loewy’s work was done in America and is where he designed most of iconic streamlined designs since it caught on the most there, the most iconic ones are the swiped back streamlined trains he did for the rail road companies across America.

 

Raymond Loewy streamlined steam powered train

 

One can notice the teardrop shape, also known as Streamline Modern. This makes them have an aesthetically elongated, horizontal shape. The designs make use of rounded edges which do not obstruct airflow. Corner windows were also fitted for the same reason. Some other features of Streamlining are the glass brick walls, porthole windows and chrome hardware., horizontal grooves or lines in walls. Automotives had smooth exterior surfaces and flat roof with coping.

Colours used at the time where subdued, base colours were typically light earth stones. Off-whites, or beiges where generally preferred. On the other hand trim colours where typically dark colours or bright metals to contrast from the light base.

All these different elements create a very hydrodynamic and aerodynamic shape that can easy pass through water or air with minimal friction or drag which makes the design work more efficiently.

 

Streamlined chair

 

This design is still popular for the fact that it is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Some objects such as the chair above are still designed with a streamline aesthetic but they do not offer any functional advantages, which in my opinion looses the purpose of streamlining an item.

 

 

Bibliography:

Guy Julier, 1993. The Thames and Hudson Encyclopedia of 20th Century Design and Designers (World of Art). Edition. Thames & Hudson.

Charlotte & Peter Fiell, 2012. Design of the 20th Century (25). Edition. Taschen.

Streamlined | Streamline Design HD – YouTube. 2015. Streamlined | Streamline Design HD – YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nLQFYL9SNU. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

Streamline Moderne – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 2015. Streamline Moderne – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. [ONLINE] Available at:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streamline_Moderne. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

Raymond Loewy – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 2015. Raymond Loewy – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. [ONLINE] Available at:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Loewy. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

VTV Classics (r3): American Streamlined Design (2008) – YouTube. 2015.VTV Classics (r3): American Streamlined Design (2008) – YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5YpdRJuEek. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

Norman Bel Geddes – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 2015. Norman Bel Geddes – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. [ONLINE] Available at:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Bel_Geddes. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

Guy Julier, 1993. The Thames and Hudson Encyclopedia of 20th Century Design and Designers (World of Art). Edition. Thames & Hudson.

Norman Bel Geddes: I Have Seen The Future | Museum of the City of New York. 2015. Norman Bel Geddes: I Have Seen The Future | Museum of the City of New York. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.mcny.org/content/i-have-seen-the-future. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

Florida Memory – Portrait of Ringling Circus employee Norman Bel Geddes.. 2015. Florida Memory – Portrait of Ringling Circus employee Norman Bel Geddes.. [ONLINE] Available at:https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/245060. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

Raymond Loewy, The Man Who Made The 20th Century Beautiful | Gizmodo Australia. 2015. Raymond Loewy, The Man Who Made The 20th Century Beautiful | Gizmodo Australia. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2013/11/raymond-loewy-the-man-who-made-the-20th-century-beautiful/. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

Raymond Loewy – Kustomrama. 2015. Raymond Loewy – Kustomrama. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.kustomrama.com/index.php?title=Raymond_Loewy. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

Streamlining a car. 2015. Streamlining a car. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.carbasics-1950.com/streamlining-car.htm. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

American Streamlined Design Exhibition. 2015. American Streamlined Design Exhibition. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.designaddict.com/blog/2011/01/27/American-Streamlined-Design-Exhibition. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

American Streamlined Design: The World of Tomorrow Now Open at Philbrook | Tasha Does Tulsa. 2015. American Streamlined Design: The World of Tomorrow Now Open at Philbrook | Tasha Does Tulsa. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2011/02/american-streamlined-design-philbrook-museum/. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

Ed Youngblood’s Motohistory | News | April 2010. 2015. Ed Youngblood’s Motohistory | News | April 2010. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.motohistory.net/news2010/news-apr10.html. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

Streamliners – PistonHeads . 2015. Streamliners – PistonHeads . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=141&h=&t=158664. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.jarrodlim.com/Images/ProductImages/streamline.jpg. [Accessed 30 January 2015].

Gothic Design

Gothic construction

 

This is a genre of medieval art that originated in France after the Romanesque period in the mid-12th century but flourished in Briton and is mostly known for its high cathedrals. The end of the Medieval Gothic period is characterized by King Henry the 8th’s English reaffirmation declaring himself the head of the church.

 

 

The Catholic population saw these great cathedrals as place of worship and inspiration. The cathedrals where decorated with biblical depictions for those who could not read therefore illiterate, this way they too could follow  and contemplate on the word of God. Some of these visual depictions consisted of illustrated manuscripts and the stain glass windows which where the next best thing equivalent to today’s cinemas.

 

Gothic cathedral

 

They were built by skilled stone mansions of the time experimenting and learning as they build ever more daring designs architecture. At the time Cathedrals where constructed to have high vaults which symbolized and empowered the word of God and how important the house of God should be considered.

Europe was undergoing big changes and problems such as assassinations of royalty and cardinals, civil uprisings and the black plague.

The Gothic style is characterized by tall, high columns, foliage capitals that lead on to the pointed arches and ribbed vaults that create such impressive high ceilings with central towers with spires. These elements together make the cathedrals look majestic, dignified but still attain very human looks and emotions which make them more approachable.

Flying buttresses where created to take away the pressure of the high vaulted ceilings and transfer it directly to the ground without abstracting the light coming through the large windows.

The walls where adorned with stained glass windows that bathed the interior with coloured light, which was associated with divine light as light was closely associated with God. So from this understanding they recreated the design of the cathedrals to be bathed in light. The rose window was a massive stained glass work of art which was positioned on the western facade.

 

Louis Comfort Tiffany

Louis Comfort Tiffany – Stained glass lamps

Stained glass came out of the churches and found its way into the household. This was done by rethinking and re purposing the design applications of stained glass onto products that make use of light in one way or another from lamps to changing room screens. Although they no longer depict biblical scenes they still make use of rich colours and patterns.

 

Gothic styled candle holder

 

Stained glass came out of the churches and found its way into the household. This was done by rethinking and re purposing the design applications of stained glass onto products that make use of light in one way or another from lamps to changing room screens. Although they no longer depict biblical scenes they still make use of rich colours and patterns.

 

Bibliography :

Ryan K. Smith, 2006. Gothic Arches, Latin Crosses: Anti-Catholicism and American Church Designs in the Nineteenth Century. annotated edition Edition. The University of North Carolina Press.

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at:http://smarthistory.edublogs.org/files/2013/03/Awesome-Gothic-Architecture-Characteristics-t9ewie.jpg. [Accessed 30 January 2015].

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at: http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/x/gothic-architecture-window-23994972.jpg. [Accessed 30 January 2015]. . 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=4537525. [Accessed 30 January 2015].

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.smashingstainedglass.com/image_manager/attributes/image/image_5/41664372_9470412.jpg. [Accessed 15 February 2015].

 

Pop Art

Pop Art in Design

 

 

 

This was an art movement that was happening during the end of the 1950s till 1960s. Its roots are in England and later on it spread to the United States of America. It forms part of the contemporary art movement. This style was done do break down the boundaries, between art and design and fine arts. By trying to break down the boundaries between high and low art and design. It was also used to bring together the gallery and the street. It is a form of design which is easily understandable and accessible, so that everyone can enjoy it and experience it. It was a movement that focused on what was new at the time and made it about the culture of the time.

This movement took place during the age of the consumer society. The youth and pop music were also a very influential for this movement. This art movement was considered to be very fashionable, which made it very popular.

 

 

Pop design inspired furniture

 

Pop art was found repetitively in the mass media, magazines, comics, and comic strips in newspapers, advertisements, music albums such as the ones for the Beetles (Yellow submarine) and Elvis albums. It was also found in common consumer products such as cereal boxes.

Comic art included violent action and sentimental love. The illustrations consist of flat two dimensional drawings, simplified with a limited range of tones and colours. Bold black lines are used to outline everything in the illustrations. The skin of the characters was done by utilizing a cheap printing process which creates spread dots, which from a far the eyes merge the white background and the red dots giving a mid-tone effect.

During this period we can see pop comic design transferring into multiple furniture designs giving it a very playful and creative look. So automatically it also influenced interior design on a whole where all the elements found in pop art could intermingle creating a very vibrant and joyful space.

 

Pop design inspired interior design.

 

 

Pop design inspired interior design.

 

An important artist of the time was Andy Warhol. Andy Warhol was a very ambitious artist. He started from nothing and gradually escalated to the artist we recognize today. He made use of several media during his artistic career, some of which include drawing, silkscreen printing, commercial illustrator, photography, installations and he also experimented with film, as he has recordings of the Empire state building.

Keith Herrin also had part in this style. His work was colorful, formed out symbols and icons. He started by painting on subway billboards that where covered over in black. His work would suddenly turn up overnight for passersby to admire much like Banksy’s sneaky works. Much like Banksy he also did his works about social causes. Till the day he died of aids he continued to produce works. Ironically before he got Aids he did works about the disease and after he contacted the disease himself he got more aware of the disease and helped with endorsements for the research to combat Aids.

 

Pop Art inspired kiss chair

 

Pop art as art has an ever growing fan base making all pop art inspired 3D design highly desirable. Pop art furniture can be recognized almost immediately by their unconventional shape and bright colours. I would like to incorporate more pop art features in my wood works.

 

 

Bibliography:

Bradford Collins, 2012. Pop Art (Art and Ideas). Edition. Phaidon Press.

Guy Julier, 1993. The Thames and Hudson Encyclopedia of 20th Century Design and Designers (World of Art). Edition. Thames & Hudson.

Charlotte & Peter Fiell, 2012. Design of the 20th Century (25). Edition. Taschen.

POP ART AND PRODUCT DESIGN. 2015. POP ART AND PRODUCT DESIGN. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.technologystudent.com/prddes1/popart2a.html. [Accessed 30 January 2015].

Introduction to Pop Art – YouTube. 2015. Introduction to Pop Art – YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IxcJsXyWtQ. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.architectureartdesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Fotor0721163353.jpg. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

2015. . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.ideasforinterior.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/24.jpg. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/ee/a9/58/eea958fd15dbe563c92b08a200e9235a.jpg. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

Pop Art Movement, Artists and Major Works | The Art Story. 2015. Pop Art Movement, Artists and Major Works | The Art Story. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.theartstory.org/movement-pop-art.htm. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

Postmodernism

Postmodernism is a reaction to the modernism movement. The new movement took place in 1972. To understand better Post modernism one has to look back to the Modern movement and find out why this reaction took place. Modern art and design revolved around set regulations & scientific facts which were designed to improve life in general. This was done to forge a better world but this was going to be challenged by the postmodern movement.

 

 

 

Postmodernists challenged modernist’s notions. They were open minded and where not afraid to ask why & how? They challenged politics, creativity and philosophy. Postmodernists also took a stance on things such as women versus men and good versus evil. This was done to break down barriers, barriers that were never challenged or pushed. They looked at things that were considered to be the norm, which were questioned as they do not apply to everyone. Postmodernists fought hard for equality. They felt the duty to intervene and open our eyes so that we keep on updating ourselves and not be stuck in the past. To do this they adapted to each and every time, space and culture.

Art and design in this period made use of more liberating, creative, dynamic, quirky and unusual works. This was a reaction to the ‘ less is more’ motto of the Modernists. Collage, chance, anarchy, multimedia and repetition where all artistic forms found in the postmodern movement. Artists and designers alike made their audience reflect on the work. One can say that postmodern art and design was used as a trigger for questions.

 

Postmodern design furniture

 

Critiques though argued that the style of design of this period was too excessive. The works was said to have too much unnecessary add-ons. They were also critiqued on the fact that they recycled material from previous styles even though they gave it a new meaning, we can see this happening a lot now as things are even more being labelled as ‘retro’.

 

Multiple styles of storage furniture in one

 

Some critiques now as well as artists and designers still debate on whether we are still part of the postmodern movement. I can understand how some may think that we still are in this period, as we are still fighting to break down barriers on social statuses, fighting for gender equality, breaking down of racial boundaries and much more.

 

Apple’s iconic desktop computer

 

We are currently going through postmodernism with a great inventive attitude in design by reviving multiple art movements and educated working with that information to produce good works of design catering for the Earth’s population. I am automatically implementing this art movement to myself since I have to research other previous art movements.

 

 

Bibliography:

Christopher Butler, 2003. Postmodernism: A Very Short Introduction. Edition. Oxford University Press.

Guy Julier, 1993. The Thames and Hudson Encyclopedia of 20th Century Design and Designers (World of Art). Edition. Thames & Hudson.

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at:https://classconnection.s3.amazonaws.com/15/flashcards/4848015/jpg/product-145B92DCE061A83AF62.jpg. [Accessed 30 January 2015].

Postmodernism: Design in a Nutshell (6/6) – YouTube. 2015.Postmodernism: Design in a Nutshell (6/6) – YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKomOqYU4Mw. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

What is Modernism/Postmodernism? – YouTube. 2015. What is Modernism/Postmodernism? – YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ehh1b6kNWA. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

Post-Modernism – YouTube. 2015. Post-Modernism – YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DO_gaxFIRXw. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

Postmodernism – Postmodern Worldview – YouTube. 2015. Postmodernism – Postmodern Worldview – YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynMS0g6zu5E. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at:http://wewastetime.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/fractured.jpg. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at:http://th04.deviantart.net/fs38/300W/i/2008/319/3/e/Open_Minded_by_Murimus.jpg. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

 

Roman Design

Rome has conquered throughout centuries with great might. With each emperor came new discoveries and new innovations, with which Rome rose to be one of the greatest civilisations on Earth. Each emperor left a legacy behind, with which we can decode through the many remains that can be found everywhere in, around and under Rome.

 

Roman Empire

 

Rome was a thriving city with one million inhabitants. One factor which contributed to such a large population in one concentrated area was water. Water for many years was brought up from a neighbouring river but as the population grew the river got more and more contaminated which resulted in a catastrophe. Emperor Augustus knew that there are sources of fresh water outside Rome and wanted to devise a pan how he can bring it to the city. This is where the aqueducts where designed and built. The aqueducts where built in a series of arches from the source and gradually the arches where reduced to create a gradual decline all the way to Rome, this was done so gravity will carry the water where it is needed. When they were completed water was plentiful to all who lived in Rome.

 

Emperor Augustus

Emperor Augustus, Emperor Nero

 

Another discovery in the rein of emperor Nero was concrete, which nowadays we take it fore-granted and use it for everything; from architecture to sculpture, etc… Before concrete was discovered Romans used to use mortar and brick to build. Mortar was made out of sand, which did not give much rigidity. After the great fire of Rome, were seventy percent of buildings where eradicated by fire, a lot of debris has been left which had to be cleared away. This is when builders through experimentation and luck mixed the debris in the mortar and created a very strong substance which got known as concrete. Builders continued to experiment with this material and found out if one mixes lava rock it would make premium concrete.

 

Contemporary Concrete furniture

 

We currently make use of concrete in a wide variety of applications from constructions to product design, a good example of which are the outdoor concrete benches and table seen above.

 

Upon discovery the emperor was delighted and created new monuments with this material. One of the great structures that still stands today, and which used extensive amount of concrete is the Pantheon.

The Pantheon is made out of a drum and dome. The entrance has a resemblance to the Parthenon. The Pantheon is a great feat of engineering from the bottom to the top but the true marvel of this architecture is the dome. It was constructed out of non reinforced concrete. To prevent from the dome to cave in as they built it the lightened the mixture of the concrete. Some say that the Pantheon was a test to haw far the Roman engineering could go as from the front one can see a second triangular mark which should suggest the original ceiling height, which some scholars argue that this is evidence that the building was finished in a hurry and did not meet its original plans.

 

Pantheon

 

Rome is an ever-changing city. To this day deconstruction and reconstruction play a major fact in the cities development. It has also served as a model for future engineers that saw Rome as a true inspiration and continued to further their discoveries through the centuries.

 

Roman inspired faucet

 

A rendered stainless steel faucet designed from inspirational forms and curves from past Roman designs in columns and buildings.

 

The Romans used their open minded approach to solve problems that previously were not even considered problems because they had not known solution. I can adopt the same approach when designing products that could have problems that need an innovative solution.

 

Bibliography:

The Story of Roman Empire (Full BBC documentary) – YouTube. 2015. The Story of Roman Empire (Full BBC documentary) – YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h61BZ-O9Wuo. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at: http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/th/aplus/moen-T943-main-nickel-lg.jpg. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at:http://cdn.monolithic.org/vault/img/2011/05/10/4dc92b78c29e068473000a5b/large_pantheon18192o.jpg. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/18/Amphi-Rome.PNG. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/89/Nero_1.JPG. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at: http://qatada.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/cement-modern-patio-furniture-photograph.jpg. [Accessed 15 February 2015].

Cubism

 

Cubism was a very influential movement. It leads the way for Futurism, Constructivism, Dada and Surrealism. Though at the beginning it was heavily critiqued as it was still too ‘new’ for the time. But this is exactly what the artists and designers of the time wanted to do. They wanted to deviate from what was depicted at the time.

The artist felt that for modern times there has to be modern designs, as this was an age of discovery and innovation and design was not going to be left behind. At the time photography was steeling the spotlight from painting so artists wanted to revitalize art and design.

Cubist art is identified by its flatness. Even when depicting a three dimensional object it was portrayed as a two dimensional item in the painting. To make up for the flatness artists depicted the scenes from multiple angles at once. Another feature of this movement is that they were simplified and reduced to simple geometric shapes, (circles, rectangles, squares and triangles). The constant use of geometric forms lead to the movement’s name.

 

Pavel Janák is a Czech citizen. He was a modernist architect, furniture designer, town planner, professor and theoretician. He was born on the 12^th of March 1881 in Prague and died on August the 1^st 1956 in Prague. He had an active whole in the cubist movement from a design perspective.

Pavel Janák

 

Chair by Pavel Janák

 

Light fixtures designed by contemporary designers

Because at the time this style of design was so new and opposing other current traditions it took a while to settle in. It was viewed as scandalous, surprising, curious, shocking and also interesting in its own right. Gradually it got accepted and is still known to this day as the first modern style. Products made in this style showed a unique and interesting when compared to any style that came before it, the light fixtures are seen as unusual to contemporary society so one can only imagine how strange this style was without any previous exposure.

 

Cubistic cutlery

 

Cubist design is sought after when designing a modern styled home. Its angled fixtures and plane surfaces keep the place looking clean and crisp. Many other uses of cubist inspiration are still being used to this very day such as  cutlery as seen in the picture above. These forms are visually interesting making it wise for me to incorporate geometric forms in my works to attract artistic attraction.

 

Bibliography:

Guy Julier, 1993. The Thames and Hudson Encyclopedia of 20th Century Design and Designers (World of Art). Edition. Thames & Hudson.

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.solaswiss.sk/images/gallery/_900x600/Cubism_web_rv.jpg. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

 

Pablo Picasso Biography, Art, and Analysis of Works | The Art Story. 2015.Pablo Picasso Biography, Art, and Analysis of Works | The Art Story. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.theartstory.org/artist-picasso-pablo.htm. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

Cubism – YouTube. 2015. Cubism – YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSZMlfm1Ln0. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

Cubism Movement, Artists and Major Works | The Art Story. 2015. Cubism Movement, Artists and Major Works | The Art Story. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.theartstory.org/movement-cubism.htm. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.designlover.eu/images/1272480359.jpg. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

cubiCZmus | WAGNER:WERK – MUSEUM POSTSPARKASSE. 2015.cubiCZmus | WAGNER:WERK – MUSEUM POSTSPARKASSE. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.ottowagner.com/sonderausstellung/archiv/2009/cubiczmus/. [Accessed 15 February 2015].

Ir-rizultat ghat-tfittxija ta’ stampi permezz ta’ Google ghal http://img.geocaching.com/cache/large/99728dea-fb0c-4c98-83e0-de0ebe014cda.jpg. 2015. Ir-rizultat ghat-tfittxija ta’ stampi permezz ta’ Google ghal http://img.geocaching.com/cache/large/99728dea-fb0c-4c98-83e0-de0ebe014cda.jpg. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.google.com.mt/imgres?imgurl=http://img.geocaching.com/cache/large/99728dea-fb0c-4c98-83e0-de0ebe014cda.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid%3D69a5906f-c229-487d-8e8d-a2c0e28766ad&h=231&w=168&tbnid=RFuP_66Jsa_VgM:&zoom=1&tbnh=186&tbnw=135&usg=__kg2lJNPaE157EOd_RUOheZjCHsQ=&docid=U2b_c3CBNNrpTM&itg=1. [Accessed 15 February 2015].

Baroque

Baroque art came out of the necessity to bring back Christian followers. In the mid 1500s the Catholic Church realised that many people where converting to other religions. At the Council of Trent propositions where posed, to find a solution to this problem.

 

My first impressions of Baroque are that they are rich in extravagant design details on the architecture and interiors involved this can be seen from the bottom up.  The materials used are expensive and of the highest quality. Pure high end materials such as ivory, granite, marble and rare hard words to mention but a few are used in combination with the colour of wealth that is gold. The lavish use of materials and designs creates an elegant ambiance one that reflects the social status of the occupants.

 

Baroque furniture design

Baroque furniture design

 

Artists which fall under the Baroque style are Rembrandt which was considered a master of this time, Caravaggio, Vermeer, Velasquez and Hassan.

 

Baroque Architecture

Baroque Architecture

 

In the late years of Baroque, the Rococo (late Baroque) style starts to emerge as the artists started to depict softer scenes that where considered more elegant and censored unlike the brutal and dramatic scenes of the Baroque period. This was done as the artists sought for change as the pendulum swung to the other side, which reviled a softer and brighter side of painting.

 

Baroque jewellery

 

Baroque design is much like Art Deco where the visuals of the end product are saturated with features and decorations. We can see Baroque influences mostly in fine high end limited consumer products  such as jewellery and furniture. I could incorporate the high level of decoration in some of my small works.

 

Bibliography:

Gauvin Alexander Bailey, 2012. Baroque & Rococo (Art & Ideas). Edition. Phaidon Press.

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at: http://viola.bz/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/1.-Necklace.-About-1670.-Gold-emeralds-diamonds-enamel.-Victoria-and-Albert-Museum-London.jpg. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/89/Nero_1.JPG. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

2015. . [ONLINE] Available at:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ca/Council_of_Trent.JPG. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at: http://webartacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/The-Incredulity-of-Saint-Thomas-by-Caravaggio_chiaroscuro_web-art-academy.jpg. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.mackdmc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/antique-baroque-furniture.jpg. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bb/St-Anne_church_Krakow_003.JPG. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9b/Lecce_particolari_facciata.jpg/640px-Lecce_particolari_facciata.jpg. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

Art Nouveau

art nouveau

 

Art Nouveau took place around the 1800s and lasted for 20 years. This is a style which greatly influenced architecture, fashion, furniture, jewellery, household items, sculpture, painting as well as graphics.

 

In the period that this stile took palace, the industrial revolution was also taking place which gave way to mass production. Art Nouveau reacted to what was happening and went to the other side of the spectrum by creating more naturalistic designs. Art Nouveau artist also believed that to produce art you should not have to study it word by word and obey all the logical rules stated, but one should be able to translate what he sees and feels from the soul and driven from nature itself. They did away with idealisation and embraced asymmetry.

 

Designs typical of Art Nouveau incorporate the elements of fluidity, decorative, circular, floral, intricate, elegant, dainty, colourful, asymmetric, harmonious, naturalistic, two dimensional/ flat and continuous.

 

Art Nouveau furniture design

 

A very prominent designer of the time is Charles Rennie Muckintosh. He was born in Scotland on the 7^th of June 1868 and died in the UK on December the 10^th 1928. His was a designer, water colourist and artist.

Charles-Rennie Mockintosh

 

Chair design by Charles Rennie Mackintosh

 

Art nouveau had many applications in the design industry from the methodology of manufacturing repeated patterns of solid colour onto canvases and textiles and the exploitations of flat primary colours onto machinery covers with the decorative curves to decorate the object. We have a similar traditional artistic style that is normally done on large commercial vehicles, this is known as “Berfijl”.

 

Lampuka Berfijl on a truck door

 

I can apply the organic motion of the lines in art nouveau to my design in cutlery especially in their handles I can also use the style on many rod and wire structures such as stairs railings.

 

Art nouveau railings

 

 

Bibliography:

€Gabriele Fahr-Becker, 2008. Art Nouveau. 1 Edition. h. f. ullmann.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_4j2WPzSKU Art Nouveau – Overview – Goodbye-Art Academy – YouTube. 2015. Art Nouveau – Overview – Goodbye-Art Academy – YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4luPnObQYo. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

Art Nouveau – Overview – Goodbye-Art Academy – YouTube. 2015. Art Nouveau – Overview – Goodbye-Art Academy – YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4luPnObQYo. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.citrinitas.com/history_of_viscom/images/19th_century/mucha_job.jpg. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/16/Alfons_Mucha_LOC_3c05828u.jpg. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a5/Tsunami_by_hokusai_19th_century.jpg. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at:https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7119/7752041708_16d415ac41.jpg. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at:http://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/server900/13cac/products/90/images/166/Forged_balustrade_art_nouveau_style___43359.1410162583.1280.1280.jpg?c=2. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

Art Nouveau Movement, Artists and Major Works | The Art Story. 2015. Art Nouveau Movement, Artists and Major Works | The Art Story. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.theartstory.org/movement-art-nouveau.htm. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

Art Deco

Art deco is not classified as an art movement, as it is considered to be more of a style in design. It is therefore considered to be an era.  It was inspired by Cubism and Fauvism as well as non-European art forms such as Egyptian art by the discovery of King Tutankhamen’s tomb, which was a great influence for this style to develop.

 

King Tutankhamen’stomb

 

The link with Egyptian art can be seen with the luxurious materials being used. Such materials being used at the time where; ivory, enamel, shagreen and ebony. The development of new materials such as, chrome, plastic and stainless steel where also considered as luxurious materials to use. Bakelite was also used for its versatility and for its ability to be moulded made it very useful for the production of different products. Bakelite can also be translucent and marbled for different functional properties as well as for aesthetics.

In 1925 one can notice a very strong trend that was going on at the time. Art Deco was flourishing and strong. Art Deco was revived again in the 1960s. It was brought back as it was valued for its prestige and eclectic style. It also was a break from the current art scene at the time so it was regarded as being very prestigious. This style of art had a very theatrical and decorative look. The style also makes use of geometric designs especially in architecture but can also be found in house hold appliances and other products.

Furniture in the Art Deco period was very well made. Some of its characteristics is inlayed wood, scrolled ends, tussled detail, nickel bronze hardware, richly coloured marble, rose wood ( was the wood of choice) and accessories such as cobalt glass bowls.

 

Art Deco Furniture

 

The automotive design was also struck by this era. One can see elongation, curvy, big, flowing, elegant, streamlined and chromed elements to the cars of the time.

 

Chrysler Airflow

Triumph Flowfree

 

Singer Airstream

 

When talking about architecture one can say that the buildings have an old-fashioned look to them. This can clearly be seen in the movie theatres of the time.

Art Deco also travelled to other parts of the world, such as England and the United States but with their own unique additions to the style. Now this stile of design is widely sought over by collectors for its prestigious qualities. Vintage pieces bring a lot of money nowadays as people have learnt to appreciate the workmanship that has gone into them more than ever.

 

Contemporary Art Deco styled chair

 

Art deco is one of the recognised and appreciated styles of all time and products are still manufactured in this style. I look towards this style when I intend to create a highly ornate and decorative item that is planned to be admired more than used.

 

Bibliography:

Charlotte & Peter Fiell, 2012. Design of the 20th Century (25). Edition. Taschen.

Guy Julier, 1993. The Thames and Hudson Encyclopedia of 20th Century Design and Designers (World of Art). Edition. Thames & Hudson.

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at:http://farm1.static.flickr.com/1/220300_d5df215f70.jpg. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

Art Nouveau vs. Art Deco – YouTube. 2015. Art Nouveau vs. Art Deco – YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_4j2WPzSKU. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

Barrie Down at Florida University 2010 – Art Deco and British car design – YouTube. 2015. Barrie Down at Florida University 2010 – Art Deco and British car design – YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhop614aGOc. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

5 – Art Deco – The Architecture Tour – YouTube. 2015. 5 – Art Deco – The Architecture Tour – YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPEfNQD56MM. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

Art Deco Interior Decorating Ideas From the 1920s : Interior Design Tips – YouTube. 2015. Art Deco Interior Decorating Ideas From the 1920s : Interior Design Tips – YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-o-rpT6RlZ0. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at: https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRzgqOJgbq6VL6Tmzj_ojJMfodaTkvEwBlzp3HdmV4c7pACmWr_yw. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.carstyling.ru/resources/classic/large/1937_Chrysler_Airflow_Sedan.jpg. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

. 2015. . [ONLINE] Available at:http://st.houzz.com/simgs/ddd1a8db00201d33_4-4250/modern-armchairs-and-accent-chairs.jpg. [Accessed 16 January 2015].

 

 

 

 

 

Steampunk

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