History – “The Whiplash Curve” of Art Nouveau and Iconic Geometric Art Deco

COURSE OVERVIEW

This relaxed Saturday session is for those who are interested in comparing and contrasting the flowing, curvaceous lines of Victorian Art Nouveau with the interwar geometrical style of iconic Art Deco.

Art Nouveau was organic, using elements found in nature, for example flowers, insects and trees. Its style was sensual with whiplash lines, tendrils of hair and sprouting vines, creating an asymmetrical and fanciful appearance.

In comparison, iconic Art Deco style was geometric. It was associated with the Jazz Age, so was also described as “jazzy”. It utilised modern technology and innovations, such as plastic, chrome, aluminium and electricity. The smooth, regular patterns were found in and on everything from art to fashion, furniture, light fittings, ornaments, glass, ceramics and jewellery. Its elegance furnished homes in a new, exciting fashion and hugely influenced cinema: facades, interiors, film sets and costumes.

Both styles were innovative and daring, emerging from earlier influences -; Egyptian being a major feature of Art Deco.

Tutor Sarah Tobias. This course runs on a Saturday 11:00-15:00

N.B. History courses may contain outdated attitudes, cultural depictions and language which cause offence today. They have to be viewed from an historic perspective. When discussing the content these views are not those of the tutor.