ART

DECO
A VISUAL REVOLUTION
 1920s - 1930s
An international decorative arts style characterized by
bold geometric shapes, rich colors, and luxurious
materials.
Inspired by ancient Egyptian, Aztec, and Mayan art,
as well as the industrial revolution and the rise of
modern technology.
Historical Context

The Art Deco movement emerged during the

Roaring Twenties, a period of economic
prosperity and social change.

The Industrial Revolution led to the mass

production of new materials like steel, glass,
and chrome, which were incorporated into Art
Deco designs.

The growth of cities created a demand for

modern architecture and design to
accommodate the increasing population.
People Involved

Key Artists:
René Lalique
Raymond Templier
Eileen Gray
Le Corbusier
Frank Lloyd Wright

Influential Figures:
Coco Chanel (fashion), Ernest Hemingway
(literature), and Hollywood's Golden Age
(film).
Key Characteristics
• Geometric shapes and patterns: Zigzags,
chevrons, sunbursts, and other geometric forms
were frequently used to create a sense of order
and symmetry.
• Streamlined forms: Smooth, aerodynamic
lines and curved surfaces were inspired by the
speed and efficiency of modern technology.
• Rich materials and luxurious finishes: Art
Deco objects often featured expensive materials
like marble, ivory, and exotic woods, as well as
intricate ornamentation and decorative details.
• Bold colors and vibrant contrasts: Vivid
color palettes, often featuring primary colors
and metallic hues, were used to create a sense
of energy and excitement.
Art Deco Architecture

• Art Deco architecture is characterized

by its tall, sleek skyscrapers with
geometric ornamentation and
streamlined facades.

• Notable examples of Art Deco

architecture include the Chrysler
Building, the Empire State Building,
and the Eastern Columbia Building.

• Art Deco interior design often featured

luxurious materials, ornate details, and
geometric patterns.
Medium
Art Deco embraced a wide range of mediums,
reflecting its versatility and influence on various
aspects of design and culture.

Examples of Medium

• Architecture
• Sculpture
• Painting
• Jewelry
• Furniture
• Glassware
• Ceramics
• Textiles
• Graphic arts
 Artform
Art Deco artists and designers often combined traditional
techniques with modern innovations to create unique and
visually striking works.

Example of Artform

• Skyscrapers
• Figurative and abstract sculptures
• Portraits, landscapes, and decorative murals
• Necklaces, bracelets, rings, and other pieces
• Chairs, tables, lamps, and other pieces
• Vases, bowls, and other objects
• Pottery, tiles, and other objects
• Fabrics, tapestries, and rugs
• Posters, advertising, and book covers
Art Deco
Furniture and
Objects

Art Deco furniture was often characterized by its bold

geometric shapes, streamlined forms, and use of
exotic materials.
Popular furniture styles included the zig-zag chair, the
club chair, and the teapoy table.

Art Deco objects, such as vases, lamps, and clocks,

often featured intricate metalwork and decorative
details.
Art Deco Jewelry

Art Deco jewelry was known for its bold

geometric designs, use of precious
stones, and emphasis on luxury.

Popular materials included diamonds,

sapphires, rubies, and emeralds.

Art Deco jewelry often featured intricate

metalwork and decorative details.
Art Deco Graphic Arts

Art Deco graphic design was influenced by the

Cubist and Futurist movements..

Posters, advertising, and book covers were

common applications of Art Deco graphic
design.
Art Deco graphic design often featured bold
typography, geometric patterns, and vibrant
colors.
Notable Figures

Le Corbusier: A renowned architect who pioneered the

use of geometric shapes and functional design in modern
architecture.

Eileen Gray: A designer known for her elegant and

functional furniture and interiors.

René Lalique: A glass artist who created intricate and

decorative glass objects.

Tamara de Lempicka: A painter known for her

glamorous portraits of women in the Art Deco style.
Chrysler Building
 Art Deco Analysis
Signature Location:
Title of Work: The Size/Dimension: 315
Not applicable
Chrysler Building feet tall, 77 stories
(architecture)

Value/Price:
Name of Artist: Location: New York
Estimated value is
William Van Alen City, United States
diffi cult to assess

Medium:
Whose Collection:
Architecture
Public domain
(skyscraper)
 Art Deco Analysis
Emphasis: The building's
Geometric Shapes: The Rhythm: The rhythm of the
most prominent feature, the
building prominently features building is created through the
towering spire, serves as the
geometric shapes, particularly repetition of elements and the
focal point and creates a
triangles and rectangles. progression of forms.
strong sense of emphasis.

Symmetry: The Chrysler Balance: The building

Contrast: There is a contrast
Building exhibits a high degree achieves balance through the
between the bold geometric
of symmetry, with its central symmetrical arrangement of
shapes and the intricate
axis dividing the building into its elements and the
decorative details.
two nearly identical halves. distribution of visual weight.

Unity: Despite the variety of Proportion: The proportions

Repetition: The building elements, the Chrysler of the building's various
incorporates repetitive Building maintains a sense of elements are carefully
elements, such as the vertical unity through its cohesive considered to create a
lines of the facade. design and the use of a harmonious and visually
consistent color palette. pleasing composition.
 Art Deco Analysis

Subject: Art Deco Type: Architectural

Architecture Design

Kind: Monumental, Source: Structural

Functional Significance
 Description
The Chrysler Building is an iconic Art Deco skyscraper
located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Completed
in 1930, it was the tallest building in the world for a brief
period before being surpassed by the Empire State
Building. The building is known for its distinctive design,
which includes a stepped pyramid crown, gargoyles, and
a spire that resembles the hood of a Chrysler automobile.
The Chrysler Building is considered a masterpiece of Art
Deco architecture and a symbol of the era's innovation
and ambition.
 Contextual Meaning
It represents the industrial advancements and economic prosperity of the 1920s and
1930s, symbolizing the era's belief in progress, technology, and human achievement.
Its construction techniques and design elements showcase the technological
innovations of the time, demonstrating the ability of humans to create towering
structures. The Chrysler Building has become a cultural icon, representing New York
City, the United States, and the Art Deco movement. It is a symbol of modernity,
ambition, and the American Dream. The building's design is a prime example of the Art
Deco style, characterized by geometric shapes, symmetry, and luxurious materials,
reflecting the era's fascination with modernism, geometric forms, and the machine
age. The Chrysler Building was built in a time of intense competition among architects
and developers, reflecting the ambition and competitive spirit of the era. During the
Great Depression, the building provided a symbol of hope and optimism for the future,
demonstrating that progress and innovation were possible even in difficult times. In
conclusion, the Chrysler Building's contextual meaning is multifaceted, encompassing
themes of industrial progress, technological innovation, cultural iconography,
architectural style, competition, and hope. It serves as a powerful reminder of the
era's aspirations, achievements, and enduring legacy.
 Evaluative
The Chrysler Building is a highly acclaimed and influential example of Art Deco
architecture. Its innovative use of geometric shapes, symmetry, and decorative
elements has had a profound impact on subsequent architecture, making it a
recognized masterpiece of the Art Deco style. The building's construction was a
significant engineering feat, pushing the boundaries of structural engineering and
construction techniques. Its ability to withstand the test of time is a testament to the
skill and expertise of its designers and builders. The Chrysler Building has had a
lasting cultural impact, being featured in numerous films, television shows, and other
media, cementing its status as an iconic landmark. It has also inspired countless
artists, designers, and architects, influencing their work in a variety of fields. As a
tangible reminder of the Roaring Twenties and the era's optimism and ambition, the
Chrysler Building's historical significance is undeniable. Its intricate details, rich
materials, and elegant proportions create a sense of grandeur and sophistication,
making it a visually stunning and captivating sight. In conclusion, the Chrysler Building
is a remarkable example of Art Deco architecture that continues to inspire and
captivate people around the world. Its architectural significance, engineering
achievements, cultural impact, historical significance, and aesthetic appeal make it a
truly exceptional landmark.
A RT D E C O I N T H E P H I L I P P I N E S

Metropolitan Theater, Manila: A grand Art Deco theater with

intricate geometric patterns and ornate details.

Crystal Arcade, Manila: A historic shopping arcade with Art

Deco architectural elements and decorative details.

Rizal Memorial Stadium, Manila: A large sports stadium with

Art Deco features, including the Olympic-style swimming pool.

Art Deco buildings in Cebu City: Several Art Deco buildings can
be found in Cebu City, such as the Cebu City Hall and the
Grand Hotel.

Art Deco furniture and objects in private collections: Many

Filipino collectors have preserved Art Deco furniture, jewelry,
Conclusion

Art Deco was a vibrant and influential movement that

celebrated modernity, technology, and luxury.

Its distinctive style and aesthetic have had a lasting

impact on design and culture.

Art Deco continues to inspire designers and artists

today.
 REFERENCES:
General Art Deco Resources
[1] Fleming, J., Honour, H., & Pevsner, N. (2007).
Key Characteristics
The Penguin Dictionary of Decorative Arts (3rd
[6] Chisari, L. (2014). Art Deco Style: A Visual
ed.). Penguin Books.
Encyclopedia. Thames & Hudson.
[2] Hitchcock, H. R. (1977). Architecture:
[7] Gordon, M. (2004). Art Deco: The Definitive Guide.
Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries (2nd ed.).
Abrams.
Penguin Books.
Art Deco Architecture
[3] Lucie-Smith, E. (1978). Art Deco Style. Thames
[8] Brown, G. (2001). Art Deco Architecture: A World
& Hudson.
Atlas. Thames & Hudson.
Historical Context
[9] Duncan, J. (2006). Art Deco New York: A Visual
[4] Brinkley, A. (2007). The Great American Dream:
History. Abrams.
From the Founding Fathers to the Present Day.
Harper Perennial.
[5] Foster, N. (1996). The New Spirit: The Rise of
Modern Architecture. Thames & Hudson.
 Art Deco Graphic Arts
REFERENCES: [14] Meggs, P. R., & Purvis, A. (2010). Meggs' History of
Graphic Design (5th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
[15] Perrot, J., & Harris, G. (2002). Art in the City:
Art Deco Furniture and Objects Urbanism and the Visual Arts in Modern Europe.
[10] Aronson, J. (1992). Art Deco Furniture: A Princeton University Press.
Notable Figures
Collector's Guide. Abrams.
[16] Curtis, W. (2006). Le Corbusier: The Architect of
[11] Edwards, C. (2005). Art Deco Style: Furniture,
Modernism. Thames & Hudson.
Lighting, and Objects. Thames & Hudson.
[17] Gray, E. (2005). Eileen Gray: A Life in Design.
Art Deco Jewelry
Rizzoli International Publications.
[12] Bainbridge, J. (2006). Art Deco Jewelry: A
[18] Lalique, M. (1999). René Lalique: The Art of Glass.
Collector's Guide. Abrams.
Thames & Hudson.
[13] Carter, R. (2008). Art Deco Jewelry: A Century
[19] Lempicka, T. (2004). Tamara de Lempicka: A
of Glamour. Thames & Hudson.
Retrospective. Thames & Hudson.
REFERENCES:
Chrysler Building
[20] Duncan, J. (2006). Art Deco New York: A Visual
History. Abrams.

Art Deco in the Philippines

[21] Alburo, F. (2004). Philippine Architecture: A
Historical Survey. National Commission for Culture
and the Arts.

[22] Cruz, M. (2012). The Art Deco Architecture of

Manila. Anvil Publishing.

[23] Fernandez, M. (2017). Art Deco Manila: A

Visual Journey. National Museum of the Philippines.
THANK YOU!