Art déco
Art Deco was a style that emerged in Europe and the USA from 1920 to 1930. It was a continuation of Vienna Secession and was named after the French term ‘art dècoratif’ which means decorative art. The term was coined at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts held in Paris in 1925. Art Deco drew inspiration from Art Nouveau and the Wiener Werkstätte, and it influenced all areas of artistic life.
In Croatia, Art Deco was not a widespread style but it was noticeable on some buildings in Zagreb such as the Hotel Esplanade (1925), Hotel Dubrovnik (formerly known as Hotel Milinov, 1929), and the facade of the NAMA department store at the begining of Ilica Street (1928). Dionis Sunko designed the first two buildings while Alfred Keller designed the facade of Nama.
Art Deco was characterized by clean, simple forms with a refined classicism, decorated with geometric or stylized figures. It paid special attention to interior design, posters, book furnishings, and painting, which often had a decorative function. Tamara de Lempicka was one of the first world stars in the fine arts who nurtured the glamorous image of Art Deco.
In the 1920s, Art Deco was present in Croatia in all areas of applied art, such as ceramics, posters, small forms, scenography, etc. Famous artists in these areas were Tomislav Krizman, Ljubo Babić, Radovan Tommaseo, and Branko Kocmut.
The design of Art Deco was both modern and glamorous, reflecting the optimism and excitement of the Roaring Twenties and the Art Deco era.
Its specific characteristics were geometric forms (circles, triangles, zigzag lines, and chevrons), bold and luxurious colors (rich jewel shades of emeralds, rubies, sapphire, and gold and silver metals), luxurious materials (chrome, glass, stainless steel, ebony, ivory, etc.), stylized motifs (sun rays, animal patterns, and stylized floral motifs), and aerodynamic shapes inspired by modern industrial machines, cars, and speed.
Art Deco still inspires designers and artists with its application of the power of form, color, and materials in design.
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