From Art Nouveau to Bauhaus, design movements have provided some of the most iconic styles of all time. These movements had a seismic impact on design, producing memorable artifacts and solutions that have long outlasted the movements themselves. In this article, we plumb the depths of these movements, tracing the evolution of design from their origins to the present day and exploring their remarkable legacies.
1. Introduction to Design Movements
Design Movements have played an invaluable role in shaping the aesthetic of design. The early 1900s saw the beginnings of modern design movements, from Cubism to Bauhaus. Each style has brought incredible influence to art and visual communication, creating iconic images that are still recognizable to this day.
- Art Deco: Art Deco was a popular style in the 1920’s and 30’s, characterized by sleek and geometric forms and bright colors. While often associated with the flamboyance of the Jazz Age, it has been used in everything from furniture to architecture. It has been used in some of the world’s most iconic structures, such as the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building in New York City.
- Pop Art: Pop Art emerged in the 1950’s, as a response to post-war consumerism and popular culture’s influence on the art world. This movement emphasized the use of bold and bright colors, as well as recognizable images from commercial products and advertisements. Pop Art’s use of irony and satire helped to challenge societal conventions and values.
- Minimalism: Minimalism began as an artistic movement in the mid-20th century. Its focus on simplicity and essential elements serves as a response to the often-overwhelming world of technology. Utilizing sparse colors and shapes, Minimalist designs seek to create harmonious visuals with minimal clutter. It is widely used in contemporary graphic design, as well as industrial and product design.
- Futurism: Futurism rose to prominence in the early 1900s as an art movement focused on technology, modernity, speed and progress. Futurism celebrated ideas of a brave new world, through the use of stark, experimental visuals. It is still seen today with its familiar themes of aspiration and progress, often used in the design of transportation and aerospace technology.
Each design movement offers unique insight into the world of art and design. From its beginnings in the 20th century, design movements have made an indelible mark that is still visible today.
2. Defining Iconic Style
Throughout the history of design, particular movements have taken hold of the creative consciousness – influencing trends, creating an iconic language of style, and leaving their mark on society. From Art Nouveau to Bauhaus, from Pop Art to Postmodernism, there’s no doubt these design movements have left an indelible legacy on design and the world as we know it.
Art Nouveau (1890–1910)
- Features curvilinear, sinuous lines and floral imagery
- Echoes of natural forms: plant, marine, and celestial
- Intertwining of image and text as a form of decorative symbolism
Art Nouveau was well ahead of its time, pioneering the use of the sans-serif typeface and the four-color printing process. It remains a major influence on modern logo and brand design.
Bauhaus (1919–33)
- Geometric boldness and dynamic play of lines
- Employing an austere, angular aesthetic
- Iconic “85 bold” typeface designed by Herbert Bayer
Bauhaus, with its sturdy constructions and animated forms, has been a mainstay in design since its conception. It’s inherently minimalist, industrial, and modern – paving the way for simple, functional design principles.
Pop Art (1950s–60s)
- Vibrant use of bright primary colors
- Large scale illustrations and graphics, often featuring celebrities
- Mixing low and high culture to create a visually compelling narrative
Pop Art has been integral in the development of graphic design and commercial art. It’s successfully challenged perceptions of art and design, highlighting the role of the designer as connector between culture and consumer.
Postmodernism (1960s–present)
- A rethink of elements previously used in modernism
- Postmodernism questioned accepted notions of taste and appropriateness, merging commercial motifs with traditional artwork
- Using irony and pun humor to inject irreverence in design
Postmodern design stands to be more memorable and daring, involving more than just aesthetics to make a statement. Game-changing designers like Tibor Kalman and Richard Lemback harness the power of design to create automated messages and incite meaningful discourse.
3. Analyzing the Evolution of Design Movements
Identifying Major Milestones in Design Movements
- Exploring the history of design movements can provide insight into the core elements of modern-day graphic design.
- By identifying the breakthroughs and innovators of each era of design, it’s possible to observe how we have reached the current state of visual communication.
Structural Foundations of Form and Style
Each era of design features a trend of particular artistic expression that is used as part of a distinct style. By understanding the underlying types of design work, it’s possible to detect patterns in the iterations of graphic design over the years.
Form is a major component that links the development of design from its beginnings to the current era. By comprehending the structures employed in classic design, plus the physical milestones, it’s possible to show how the concepts of different generations of art have evolved into today’s cutting-edge principles.
Redefining Standards of Creativity
Many iconic graphic designers have pioneered the way for innovation in the field. By understanding these individuals and their achievements, it’s possible to map out a timeline of influential art movements that constitute the foundation of modern design. From the clarity of minimalist art, to the abstraction of surrealism, to the fusion of various styles, innovation in design plays a vital role in developing artistry in the field.
From the emergence of particular types of design, to the style of groundbreaking techniques, mapping the design movements of the past to the current state of design allows us to recognize the legacy of iconic visual culture.
4. Connecting the Past and Present in Iconic Design Styles
Design moves through the years like waves, carrying along iconic trends and unique inspirations. With each era comes a new movement that influences our current designs in ways both subtle and profound. Here’s a look at four design movements that have stood the test of time and helped shape both our past and present designs.
1. Art Nouveau
- A strong, naturalistic style that emerged in the late 19th century in Europe
- Influenced by organic forms derived from nature and a desire for modern aesthetic
- Emphasized curvaceous, flowing shapes and a blend of modernity and symbolism
- Lead to innovations in architecture, interior design, fine art, furniture, and jewelry
2. De Stijl
- An artistic and architectural movement that emerged from the Netherlands in the early 20th century
- Pushed for the abandonment of decorative elements and the adoption of abstract shapes and bold colors
- Combined a sense of calm with vibrant hues and abstract lines
- Influenced modernist art, literature, and culture in Europe
3. Bauhaus
- A major movement of design and architecture in the early 20th century in Germany
- Combined influences from Constructivism and Russian avant-garde to create a minimalist style
- Focused on less is more with its most iconic elements – straigh-lined geometric designs and functionality
- Immensely influential in design, revolutionizing the modern architecture world
4. Mid-Century Modern
- An artistic movement that attended to the bright optimism of post-war America
- Included furnituresuch as the Eames Lounge chair, tulip tables, and plywood chairs
- Combined streamlined shapes with modern materials, colors, and craftsmanship
- Famous for its use of synthetic plastics, woods, and metals with a soft, airy aesthetic
5. Celebrating the Design Movements’ Lasting Legacy
Design movements of the past are still having an impact on modern design. From the bold use of shapes in art deco to the practical minimalism of modernism, many of the iconic styles of the 20th century have been adopted, adapted and updated in the 21st century.
The Futurists
The Futurists were a movement of Italian artists and designers in the early 20th century who were inspired by the speed and energy of modern life. They championed mechanization, industrialization, and technology as a source of strength and progress. They explored bold typesetting and vibrant colours as well as dynamic geometrical shapes which remain popular today.
Bauhaus
The Bauhaus, a revolutionary school of design, was founded in Germany in 1919. It taught a combination of modern style, craftsmanship and industry. Its influential theories of minimalist design are still the cornerstone of good design today. The iconic typographic style, angled shapes and asymmetrical layouts of the Bauhaus inspired countless of modern designs up to this day.
Art Deco
Art Deco is a stylish and modern design movement of the 1920s that is characterized by geometric shapes, stark colours, and extravagance. Its stunning, modern aesthetic was the defining look of the 1920s and today’s designs are still inspired by its sleek lines and angular shapes, vibrant colours, and mirrored surfaces.
Modernism
Modernism, with its focus on functionality, practicality and simplicity, formed an important part of European and American design in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It remains an influential design aspect in the 21st century. Thanks to modernism, design now has a principle of focus and simplicity which can now be seen in modern watches, jewellery and furniture.
Design movements from the past have shaped and pushed forward the industry in ways that are felt even today. They have left us a rich legacy of iconic designs that still inspire creativity and innovation.
6. Advocating for Inclusion of Design Movements in Contemporary Style
Design movements of the 20th century served as foundations for generations of iconic style, influencing the way we dress, the type of home décor we use, and the way we design across a variety of disciplines. In this post, we’ll explore six of the most influential design movements and their influence on contemporary design.
1. Bauhaus
- Primarily associated with modernism, Bauhaus was founded in 1919, introducing minimalistic and utilitarian aesthetics.
- Early on, the school sought to mentor and educate design, production, and art students in the spirit of collaboration.
- BauhausLessons were centered on the importance of functionality and simplicity with the final product.
2. Art Deco
- Evolving from the Industrial Revolution in the 1920s, Art Deco style emerged as a form of ornamental architecture and interior design.
- Iconic Art Deco elements feature an extravagant and bold use of colour and geometric shapes.
- Despite being an expensive trend to produce, Art Deco style was quickly adopted by the automotive, fashion, and jewellery industries.
3. Memphis
- Examples of Memphis design first appeared in the works of popular Italian architect Ettore Sottsass during the 1980s.
- It quickly became popular as a counter-cultural design movement, characterized by its bright colours, unusual shapes, and bold patterns.
- While some thought of it as a wacky and strange style, soon Memphis was adopted by big and small corporations worldwide.
4. Constructivism
- Beginning in the early 20th century, Constructivism was heavily influenced by Russian avant-garde art.
- It rejected the notion of art as mere decoration and instead focused on a commitment to labor, new technology, and industrial materials.
- Artworks created in the Constructivism style may include everyday objects, geometric shapes, and bold typography.
5. Mid-Century Modern
- Boasting a contemporary, minimalist-style with simplistic color palettes, Mid-Century Modern design is a product of the post-war reconstruction period.
- The movement thrived in both the United States and Europe, introducing Americans to Scandinavian furniture design and the European International Style.
- Mid-Century Modern style continues to influence the furniture industry to this day.
6. Pop Art
- Originating in the 1950s, Pop Art has been recognized as an amalgamation of popular culture and commercial art.
- The movement drew its inspiration from sources ranging from comics to Hollywood films; its ironic style often appears on fashion items and interior design.
- Pop Art has gained a reputation not only as a style, but as a reflection of the complex history and contemporary culture of its period.
These influential design movements of the 20th century show us how classic design aesthetics are still relevant today. Modern brands, designers, and interior decorators continue to draw inspiration from these iconic movements. By celebrating and advocating for the inclusion of these timeless design movements, we are given the opportunity to exercise our creative freedom and learn from the visions of our predecessors.
Wrapping Up
Design Movements have enriched and energized the design world for decades, and they continue to inspire and influence the world of design today. From Art-Deco’s pessimistic modernity to Postmodernism’s whimsy and from Minimalism’s orderliness to Bauhaus’ emphasis on functionality, design movements have and keep pushing creative boundaries and ultimately, the designers of tomorrow.