Art Nouveau - Part 2

 Chapter 19: Art Nouveau – Part 2

Art Nouveau is a style that, in my opinion, is frequently overlooked but one of the most effective pieces of art history. The term itself means “new art” and with things that are new, comes change and in most cases throughout history change effects where we are at today. The urge for new art came from the belief that artistic forms should take their inspiration from nature. A lot of these details are seen around the world in places like France and Spain.

France

France was known as the arts center of Europe, with Paris as the focal point. It’s support towards artists with an ambitious exhibition schedule led many artists to look for work in such a place. Many cities contributed to the movement; however, one stands among the rest: Nancy. Nancy was seen as the artistic and intellectual arena.

Emile Galle, who was known as one of the foremost glassmakers, potters, and furniture designers within Nancy, made use of organic forms and unusual materials, particularly in his furniture arrangements. In addition, he frequently used complex marquetry from exotic woods and mother-of-pearl inlays. These details combined with mathematically ovoid profiles, encompass Art Nouveau in France.

Spain

With talent so deep and complex, it is no wonder that Antoni Gaudi is amongst the most famous artists related to Art Nouveau. Originally, he took interest in ornamental motifs and experimentation. Within his experimentation between ornaments, construction, and pre-fabrication, Gaudi used glazed tiles and developed a roofing system that relied heavily on parabolic arches, using wrought iron and steel frames.

Due to the fact that Gaudi’s compositions were personal and subjective, imitating his works proved nearly impossible. However, these features connect his works to Surrealism with its bent, melt, and swaying forms. His most famous work is the wavelike façade designed for the Casa Batllo which consisted of glass, ceramic, tile, masonry, metal, and wood that was formed to flow seamlessly together.

Render #1 - Japanisme






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