Blog Three - Art Nouveau Part One

 Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau means new art. It was not based on a historical or traditional style of design but instead inspired by nature. It supported new and experimental directions in design. It embraced technology and the manufacturing process. It was also inspired by William Morris. It used vines, flowers, birds, and insects to inspire the designs. Many artists and designers shared an interest in Japanese art. Although Britain was the point of origin, France and Belgium were the leaders of the movement. Germany, Spain, and Scandinavian countries were also affected. There was also awareness of it in the Western countries. Many designers for the Art Nouveau movements were also accomplished furniture designers.

Art Nouveau Architecture and Interior Design

 Henry Van de Velde

Henry Van de Velde was a very influential practitioner at this time. He began as a painter. He studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts and at Antwerp and Carolus Duran in Paris. He is known for examining the relationship between aesthetics and morality by observing nature. He is also known for his design philosophy which clarified the difference between ornamentation and ornament. Henry designed furniture which was very sculptural and ergonomic. He designed his own home in 1894 with all elements having the Art Nouveau fluid, curved style. 

Henry Van de Velde Chairs

Aubrey Beardsley

Aubrey Beardsley was a British designer who mainly focused on illustration design. He greatly influenced the Art Nouveau movement and was one of the most controversial artists of that time. He was greatly influenced by Japanese art. He was most known for using black and white on white paper for his designs.

Aubrey Beardsley Art

Hector Guimard

Art Nouveau was most popular in France and Nancy. They were the artistic and intellectual center of the movement. Hector Guimard was the most significant architect and designer in Paris at this time. He was an architect, interior designer, industrial designer, and writer. He studied at the Ecole Nationale des Arts Decortiffs and Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. He designed residential interiors and furniture as well as city signage and light standards. Hector Guimard used the new technology that had been developed to create prefabricated elements for the Paris Metro Station. He also used newer materials such as iron, glass, and stone in his design for the Paris Metro Kiosks. Although Guimard’s designs were often created in a factory, they appeared handcrafted. Hector Guimard was also known for renovating historical buildings by using modern and innovative materials and designs. He valued the principles of harmony and continuity.

Hector Guimard Furniture

Antoni Gaudi

Antoni Gaudi was a Spanish Catalan architect who led the Art Nouveau movement in Spain. He graduated from the Provincial School of Architecture. He was known for using flowing curves and unusual decorative designs to create structures that displayed the fantasy of nature. He also used modern materials such as glass, masonry, ceramic tile, and iron and wood together. Gaudi went through three main phases throughout his life as an architect. In his first phase, he used inspiration from oriental arts seen in India, Persia, and Japan. In his second phase, he followed the Neo-Gothic movement that was popular at that time. In his third and final phase, he developed his own style in which he more focused on getting inspiration solely from nature. This is when he made his best and most well-known pieces. 

Antoni Gaudi Designs

Characteristics of the Movement

The Art Nouveau movement rejected the Victorian style and any other historical style. It also used very modern materials and techniques to produce the art. It used materials like iron and incorporated newer technologies such as industrial production and electricity. This design movement also had a relationship with fine arts, painting, and sculptures. Along with a focus on natural forms, it also emphasized curvilinear lines and abstract forms. 

Current Applications:

Modern Art Nouveau Interior

Modern Art Nouveau Chair

Modern Art Nouveau Interior

One Step Further:

Victor Horta was born on January 6, 1861. He was an accomplished Belgian architect, designer, and teacher. He studied at the Department of Architecture at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Ghent. He was one of the most influential designers of his time. He used very unique iron railings and hardware. He would also often use stenciled walls and ceilings. He would incorporate mosaic tile patterns on floors, walls, and ceilings. He also introduced the “curtain-wall” structure which was usually metal and glass. One of his most famous projects was the Horta House. It has an asymmetrical facade and includes a twisted iron balcony and large glass window frames. It also displays the Art Nouveau movement by including curvilinear details from nature. 

Victor Horta Designs