It wasn't until 1966 that Art Deco became a recognized movement, despite the fact it took place over forty years before. In 1925 there was a French art exposition at e Musee des Arts Decoratifs. However, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce banned any Americans from atteding the event. Instead, he sent experts in the field of design and architecture to sort of act as spies. He wanted them to learn about the new styles at the expositon and try to integrate them with American architecture.
Art deco style was interesting in the fact that it was simplistic, geometric, but also maintained connections to nature and botany. Another interestig aspect is how it combined styles of European, American, and South American designs. It was like a melting pot. "Additional inspiration came from American Indian models and Pre-Columbian structures." It was a mix of old with new. The past, present, and future were all taken to heart. The world economy was weak due to World Wars, but that didn't mean they couldn't create beautiful things. They just weren't as elaborate Victorian or Rococo designs. America was becoming more of a diverse society as immigrats from all over flooded the country. "American Art Deco conveyed both beauty and strength in a time when economic depression left much of the country unemployed and embittered. During the 1930s many public buildings were decorated in the Art Deco style, exuding nationalism through massive structures with great coloring, inspiring murals and strong sculpture reminiscent of Roman republicanism."
I like how art deco still maintained itself as a new creative art form despite depressing wars, economic troubles and uncertainties.
I would be curious to know WHY Herbert Hoover didn't allow Amercans to go to the exposition. Was art deco solely found in America?
I really liked this stained glass picture above. It's awesome.
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