Introduction
When reading about the history of Graphic Design, I discovered just how many art movements have occurred throughout history. I also noticed how the type of movement that would develop was greatly based off of what was going on at the time. I chose some of the movements that I felt to be very different from one another, and I think this contrast reflects just how influential current events can be on the art we create. For example, Cubism came around the time modernization was occurring. I think Picasso and other artists of the field understood this and wanted to make their pieces look more modern while simultaneously keeping tradition. The structure that is found in Cubism represents the modern, while the traditional African style of painting adds history. Second, the Dada movement emerged at the time of World War 1, so the art from this time is much darker and depicts the bleakness of war. Thirdly, surrealism struck me as the most intriguing because the goal is to mess with the brain. Last, the Art Deco movement stood out to me because I felt as if it acted almost as another Renaissance, one where following all this war and destruction, luxury and beauty could finally emerge.
Cubism
Pablo Picasso, one of the most influential artists of all time, was influenced by philosopher Cezanne. Therefore, Picasso wanted to incorporate Cezanne’s words into his abstract art. This led him to start the movement of Cubism, in which the figures within the piece would be broken up into various sections throughout. This created a huge geometric effect on what may have started out to be a much softer, free-flowing design.
https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/c/cubism
https://www.britannica.com/art/Cubism
https://www.theartstory.org/movement/cubism/
Dada
The Dada movement really struck me. It greatly challenges the notion that art needs to be beautiful. I found it fascinating because of this, as these pieces were not meant to be beautiful. As stated in the reading, the movement was a “reaction by artists to what they perceived as a world gone mad.” It’s as if they were trying to express this confusing horror in the only medium they knew how: art. I love the way these artworks look, dark and military-like, reflecting a world that they can’t wrap their brains around. Many of the pieces created at this time were hopeless and unsettling, the exact feelings the world was experiencing at the time.
https://www.moma.org/learn/moma_learning/themes/dada/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/dada-115169154/
Surrealism
Following the Dada movement, Surrealism took those feelings of unsettlement and darkness one step further as now it was the artists’ intention to provoke those feelings rather than their feelings being reflected in the work. Surrealism incorporated psychologically based images that made people’s jaws drop. This is clear in the example. I’m sure anyone who looked at the image of Hitler with a devilish grin about to cut off a helpless chicken’s neck would definitely have a bit more trouble sleeping at night. I appreciated the darkness of these pieces, and how the goal was to make people feel uncomfortable when looking at them.
https://www.britannica.com/art/Surrealism
https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/surr/hd_surr.htm
https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/s/surrealism
Art Deco
In contrast to some of the other movements I have talked about, the Art Deco movement was one of great expense and “machine-inspired modernism.” Art Deco pieces utilize warmer tones and share a similar style of painting. Most of the work depicts situations that represent the rich lifestyle many Americans were seeking. As shown, these images often show images of city buildings with smooth lines or women in glamorous dresses awaiting a Gatsby-like event. I believe this movement was greatly important to not only artists, but people everywhere. Following the destruction and loss of the wars, people needed this idea that life could be luxurious and filled with parties and music. It gave them something to be happy about and reflected society’s direction towards modernization.
https://www.britannica.com/art/Art-Deco
https://www.widewalls.ch/magazine/what-is-art-deco-decorative-style
Conclusion
Prior to this reading, I never realized just how much of an influence history had on graphic design. When an artist can tie in modern elements while also keeping the traditional elements, that is when a great piece emerges.
