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.