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.