Art Nouveau is associated with the “Arts and Crafts” movement that began to form in England in 1860. This movement inspired Art Nouveau because it brought craftsmanship to the fore, but it differs from this movement in that Art Nouveau artists embrace modern industry. Artists had mass-produced their work with advertisements, posters, labels, and magazines to revive the movement.
The Development of Art Nouveau
This new art, a versatile decorative style, had its heyday in the 1900s and gained a great reputation in Europe and the United States. It has been influential in painting, architecture, graphic arts and design. Curved and linear patterns took place predominantly. Natural forms such as leaves and sprouts also dominate the style. Abstract motifs are mentioned and human figures are also used frequently. Artists are very focused on the decorative appearance of the works.
Alphonse Mucha, the pioneer of the Art Nouveau movement, designed the poster of the theater named Gismonda using the Art Nouveau style, and this poster quickly became the focus of attention on the streets of Paris. Young artists in search immediately began to imitate the relevant style. In this way, Art Nouveau began to be recognized and studied by artists. Mucha was mostly inspired by nature in his commercial work and often used flower figures. In addition to his works decorated with ivy, he also used goddess female figures.
Gustav Klimt, the most well-known artist of the movement; His masterful use of the golden yellow color and his erotic paintings enriched with mosaic details attracted a lot of attention. “The Kiss”, the artist’s most well-known work, attracted attention and was admired for its intertwining decorative beauties. Today, he decorates the walls of galleries with his works.
The Appearance of Art Nouveau
Art Nouveau artists often inspired nature in their designs. They created a curved and curved style by using the vivid colors of nature and the growth journeys of plants in their works. In their work, they were inspired not only by plants, but also by animals in nature. Artists, who are intertwined with nature, have made works by using different materials in nature over time.
Fashion illustrations increased in the Art Nouveau period, and women’s clothing of the period took on more functional and comfortable patterns and materials. It is seen that the clothes of this period were designed with clothing forms that draped down the waist, did not restrict movement, and were more suitable for social activities. With the Art Nouveau effect, vegetal patterns were included in the clothes. The clothes of the period are mostly colored, draped and embroidered. Art Nouveau influence is also seen in women’s bags and accessories. The effect of this trend with its vegetal patterns and curved forms is also present in today’s fashion.
Today, designs emphasizing the curves of the female body and collections in which clothes are adorned with vegetal patterns can be seen. The concept of Art Nouveau art is mostly associated with craft. The use of handicraft in the field of fashion is a reflection of this understanding. Designs in which vegetal figures and embroideries are dominant are still encountered today. We come across the designs of world-famous brands such as Dolce&Gabbana, Christian Dior, Zuhair Murad, Ralph&Russo, Alexander McQueen, Elie Saab, with Art Nouveau images at fashion weeks. While these designs are usually designed as evening dresses, evening dresses, wedding dresses, they attract the attention of the audience.
