History of Design: Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Constructivism, Bauhaus, Swiss, Modernism

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• published: 25 Nov 2013
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GRAPHIC DESIGN STYLES THROUGHOUT HISTORY Design Style I: Art Nouveau Art Nouveau flourished between 1890 and 1910 and influenced all genres of art and design, from painting and illustration, to furniture and interior decoration, to architecture, fashion and jewelry. This style is characterized by: • stylized, curving forms and asymmetrical lines • floral, botanic and nature-based motifs • an emphasis on decoration and an abandonment of traditional clarity • the fusion of structure and ornament • a deliberate break from 19th century historicism Design Style II: Bauhaus The Bauhaus school operated in Germany between 1919 and 1933 and was founded by architect Walter Gropius. The school's philosophy emphasized the merger of arts with craftsmanship. Some characteristics of the movement are: • an emphasis on simple lines and shape • generous use of negative space and airy motifs • modern materials that often become a focus of the design • form is dictated by the function of the piece • reflection of modernity and the power of industrialism and mechanization Design Style III: Constructivism Russian Constructivism had its greatest influence between 1919 and 1934 and continued to influence Soviet art styles through the Soviet era. The style was avant-garde and attempted to "construct art" by applying abstraction to art and design and embodying Communist ideals. The movement spread from design and architecture across all art genres, including literature, music and film. Characteristics include: • a clear, formal order • emphasis on geometric shapes and clean lines and planes • bold, symbolic and impersonal colorings • simple, spare economic organization • a respect for folk traditions • social, economic or political messaging Constructivist examples from Soviet posters: Design Style IV: Art Deco Art Deco dominated style in the 1920s and 30s and is closely linked with the influence of jazz. As its name implies, Art Deco had its genesis in the decorative arts, but also included fine and performing arts and has had a lasting influence in architecture. Its defining characteristics include: • simple, clean shapes with a streamlined look and feel • geometric ornamentation and/or motifs drawing upon natural flora and fauna • modern, man-made materials in combination with natural materials • vibrant colors and use of light • a feeling of glamour and elegance Design Style V: International Typographic Style International Typographic Style (the Swiss School) developed in Switzerland in the decades following World War II. This style can be interpreted as an artistic reaction to the chaotic pre-war period by attempting to establish clarity, objectivity and order in the world. Defining characteristics include: • adherence to the grid structure • feeling of austerity and rigidity • emphasis on sans-serif typography • asymmetrical layouts and lines Examples of Swiss School graphic design: Design Style VI: Modernism: New York School The gathering of painters, sculptors, designers, musicians and writers in New York City in the 1940s, 50s and 60s put the city at the forefront of art worldwide. These artists were inspired by the avant-garde painting movements of the early 20th century, and abstract expressionism, minimalism and pop art were branches that developed out of the New York school in the 1950s. The graphic designers of this period were consciously responding to the Swiss Movement, by loosening up structure and exploring abstraction. Characteristics of this style include: • combining of photography and typography • creative and generous use of negative space • spontaneity in visual imagery and coloring • informal organization • integration of form with function Design Style VII: Post-Modernism Post-Modernism is the contemporary school of thought that we have moved past the "modern" and into something new. Post-Modernism has influenced every aspect of the contemporary world, from art to technology to culture, and whichever form it takes, grasps a particular philosophy as a way to inform the design. Post-Modernism is acutely aware of the past. Some characteristics include: • borrowing of styles, motifs and ideas from the past to combine them into new forms • use of irony and/or cynicism by highlighting convention and rejecting ideas of progress • use of typography as central idea, sacrificing readability for form • the melding of high and low culture • appropriation in all its forms, from referencing and homage to copying and collage