The boundary between Art Nouveau and Modernism is unclear to this day, since the style started off as associates of the same philosophy for design clustered in groups such as the Wiener Werkstatte. The style began to spread out, while Art Nouveau was beginning to take a more geometric and structured shape, with the fading out whiplash curves and patterns inspired from ancient cultures. Members of these groups were going against the 'over decorated' style of Art Nouveau and were looking forward into more simpler, modern, geometric forms. In a way, these designers and artists were going hand in hand with the primitivists like Henry Matisse, Edvard Munch, Paul Gaugin and Pablo Picasso (during African-Influenced period).
One of the first works that stood out from the time-tested style and is now referred to 'prime example of modernist design' (Miller, 2006) is the Michael Thonet bentwood chair No. 14. The chair is a combination of new technologies of bending wood and an innovative minimal design, that became an iconic image of modernism all over the world since 1859.
One of the first works that stood out from the time-tested style and is now referred to 'prime example of modernist design' (Miller, 2006) is the Michael Thonet bentwood chair No. 14. The chair is a combination of new technologies of bending wood and an innovative minimal design, that became an iconic image of modernism all over the world since 1859.
Modernists tended to make life better and easier, they promoted function over aesthetics and suitability for mass production. However despite these radical approaches, designers and artists of the modernist period placed their innovations in the context of cultural preferences that were already there. Like so Modernism started off globally, but in each country is was a different type of modernism. Scandinavia preferred organic forms, while Britain, especially Glasgow preferred geometric forms, shapes like squares, bold straight lines, abstract order and exceptional compositions.
During the 1910s the world was greatly disillusioned and depressed, as many events have happened in the years. The First World War pushed many artists to create art that was shocking and new such as Kirchner's Self Portrait as a Soldier. The Russian revolution in the 1917 became to be the start of various art movements that In turn promoted a rebirth of culture, ideas, art and design. Constructivism was one of the movements that effected not only Russia, but also other various countries. Clean geometric shapes, blacks and reds of the constructivists were influencing Bauhausian design and De Stijl led by Piet Mondrian.
Ultimately, the start of Modernism is unclear, however we may certaintly notice a move towards simplification, functionalism, feasibility and experimental work with new materials. Yet most of the furnitutre was still very Victorian and the idea behind was to keep the design traditional, conventional and accepted. Going over the board line was meaning to be a rebel against generally agreed norms and values.
Ultimately, the start of Modernism is unclear, however we may certaintly notice a move towards simplification, functionalism, feasibility and experimental work with new materials. Yet most of the furnitutre was still very Victorian and the idea behind was to keep the design traditional, conventional and accepted. Going over the board line was meaning to be a rebel against generally agreed norms and values.
References:
Anon. (n.d.). Period Style: Modernism (c.1918 to 1950). Available: http://www.bbc.co.uk/homes/design/period_modernism.shtml. Last accessed 11th Jan 2015.
Jones, J . (2013). Bauhaus, Modernism & Other Design Movements Explained by New Animated Video Series. Available: http://www.openculture.com/2013/06/bauhaus_modernism_other_design_movements_explained_by_new_animated_video_series_.html. Last accessed 11th Jan 2015.
Miller, J (2006). Decorative Arts . London : Dorling Kindersley Limited . p244-250.
Pile, J & Gura,J (2014). A History of Interior Design . 4th ed. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. . p294-305.