The Emergence of Modernism

The Emergence of Modernism

1900-1950's

Born out of the War..

Born out of World War I, Modernisms burst forth as an opportunity to redesign the world. Pulling inspiration from earlier movements such as Art Noveau and the Wright's Prarie Style, the emergence of modernism help introduce to world to many new technological advancement. Skyscrapers, automobiles, trains, and moving pictures; machinery, was now was a source of design inspiration. Function is the reigning interest as a new culture embraces industrial design. Coupled with this movement is the renowned International Style. This form is characterized by a radical simplification, turning away from ornamentation, and a developing interest in industrial materials. Most notably and controversially however, would be the styles focus on transparency. Leaning towards a more exposed form and structure.

HISTORICAL EXAMPLES

Note: Large glass windows. Simple linear design

Note: Light and airy feeling. High viability to the interior

Note: Linear design, Large windows

MODERN EXAMPLES......of modernism

Note: Simplistic ornamentation, Large windows

Note: Commercial Example, large simple layout. TONS of light

Note: Linear Form

SHORT VIDEO

Please take a look at this video for more information

RESPONSES

Emma:

Emma had a lot of great information about the individual people that contributed to the movement. Linking the individual designers with the most notable pieces of the era.

Hailey A:

Hailey did a great job at bringing in the individual pieces of the time. The Barcelona chair is a beautiful example of the movement.

The Protomodernism Movement

The Protomodernism Movement

The Protomodernism Movement

1897-1959

 

Agreed to have started in 1897, the protomedernism movement is actually a name assigned to a collective of movements. It is characterized most notably by a theme of experimentation with form and ideas. Deutscher Werkbund, a movement birthed out of the early 1890’s, can be considered the ignition source for protomodernism. It was an early influence for the careers of many notable architects and designers with the goal of creating the highest quality pieces as efficiently as possible. There was a focus on the machining, and mechanization of design. Similar to the ideals of the Arts and Crafts Movement in the protest of artistic establishment, without the influence of “hand” crafted works. The focus was on embracing the use of the machine. This process helped set the stage for notable design styles, including Art Deco.Later, and following the same anti-establishment criteria came the Vienna Secession. The “sub-movement” protested Historicism within design similar to the ideals of Art Nouveau without embracing the design style. These artists included names like: Olbrich, Klimt, Wagner, and Loos; all men who pulled away from academic design. Thus the given name of the movement, Secession…The last notable movement will leave you with was the De Stijl movement. This new style takes design in an entirely new direction. Focusing not on nature and soft forms, and rather on elementary shapes, colors and flat surfaces. The design style is in fact quite rigid. Ninety degree angles reign supreme with in the movement focusing on vertical and horizontal planes. Notable designers include Rietveld and Frank Lloyd Wright.

 

Historical Examples:  

Modern Examples:

Short Video:

Please take a look at this short video about some of Frank Lloyd Wright work.

Peer Reviews:

Angie - 

Angie seemed to have a very good understanding of the different movements and ensured that she touched each topic covering the most important details.

Ashley - 

Ashley did a great job tying the designer to their works. This is an important strategy during blogs because it allows us to commit those names the the works that they produced.

 

Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau

1890-1910

Inspired by nature, pulling it's design foundation from natural forms and smooth lines, the era of Art Nouveau spans most prominently between 1890 and 1910. Similar to the Arts and Crafts movement through the use of  natural forms and motifs, however, expanding further into a more wholesome or "total" art style; stretching across multiple genres and mediums. From architecture to Interior design, from decorative arts to jewelry, the era of Art Nouveau had an influence in all aspects of art during this period. Long, swooping curves and ornate natural carvings define the style producing an appearance that dominates the senses with explosions of shape, color, and detail.

Historical Examples

Architecture: The Pre Raphaelites

Furniture, NOTE: Curvilinear shapes, abstract back.

Jewelry, NOTE: Fine detail work, scrolling.

Modern Examples:

Peer Reviews:

Allysia:

Allysia did a great job capturing the curved theme within all of her images. It was very easy to see the transition from old to new, similarities that they held, and the obvious differences that the two periods have produced.

Amanda:

Amanda provided great information about specific designs from the period and their influence that they had on the period as a whole.

The Arts and Crafts Movement

The Arts and Crafts Movement

1880-1910

Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.

The Arts and Crafts Movement when compared to other eras we studied in History 1, is one that I have a deep appreciation for. It certainly can be considered one of the earliest representations of modern day minimalism in design. Defined by traditional craftsmanship and simple, unadorned pieces; the Arts and Crafts Movement hosted a variety of designers and builders that helped shape the movement and thus, modern day minimalism. Influenced by the Gothic revival, William Morris - considered one of the largest contributors to the movement - was known for his simple designs, free of overly ornate decorations. Morris was even known to leave his pieces slightly unfinished to really display the craftsmanship and the creative process. Examples of this minimalist design approach can be found below. Note the heavy use of natural motifs and primarily wooden interiors and furniture pieces.

Historical Examples:

Robert Treat Paine Estate.
Note: Exposed beams, use of negative space, simple unadorned interior.

Note: Under-varnished top, exposed fasteners, simple lines 

Cragside stylized sunflower.
Note:Simple representation of a sunflower. Wooden construction.

Modern Examples

Dana Thomas House: Frank Lloyd Wright
Note: Clean wood construction

Modern Minimalist Furniture
Note: Natural wood grain and color. Clean lines. 

Tiny House Lifestyle
Note: Nothing excess. Everything is either beautiful, or serves a purpose.

Short Video

Please take a look at this video if you have an interest in delving a bit deeper into the Arts and Crafts Movement.

https://youtu.be/tYjNO2Y4m6c

Peer Reviews

Alicia: 

Alicia did a fantastic job providing very in depth historical information. More importantly however, I really liked her modern day examples. Each image really showed the minimalism that the Arts and Crafts Movement focused on.

Amanda:

Equally, Amanda's Modern day images focused on the use of wood within the space. Allowing the sense of craftsmanship to really come forth.