Art and architecture often blend together, and this is even more evident in the
Art Deco style . This is an architectural movement that emerged in France in 1920,
after the First World War , when the country was experiencing a wave of creativity in
fashion, design and architecture . In 1925, the
International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts took place in Paris, one of the great landmarks of the movement, which highlighted the presence of different styles that were popular during the century, especially among the wealthiest classes of "high society". Art Deco is nothing more than a "mix" of these movements that were emerging and consolidating themselves in art.
One of the
artistic movements that served as the greatest inspiration for the architecture of the period was
Art Nouveau , which mixed asymmetrical lines with abstract shapes and designs. In general terms, it was a combination of
modernism and
cubism .
Characteristics of Art Deco
Born in a moment of creativity, the Art Deco movement is also known for its use of
refined materials and
luxurious compositions – which were in total synergy with the bourgeoisie,
a great enthusiast of the movement. Finishes such as jade, lacquer, ivory and velvet were quite common in architectural works. From the beginning of the 1930s, the movement underwent a change and other more accessible materials began to incorporate the style, such as
concrete and stainless steel . It was at this time that
modernist references became more present.
This was a turning point in the United States for the creation of skyscrapers and grandiose monuments. The Chrysler, for example, surpassed the size of the Eiffel Tower, and to this day is among the
tallest buildings in the world .
Art Deco in Brazil
The influence of the European style soon arrived in Brazil.
Rio de Janeiro embraced the movement, and its most famous work,
Christ the Redeemer , is one of the greatest examples of Art Deco creation. At
38 meters and at a distance of more than 700 meters above sea level , Christ was created by the French artist
Paul Landowski and was one of the landmarks of his career, considered one of the largest sculptures representing movement in the world – and which also received the title of
seventh wonder of the modern world. Other Brazilian works are also evidence of Art Deco in Brazil, such as the
Carlos Gomes Theater , in Vitória (ES) and the
Central do Brasil Station , in Rio de Janeiro. Even though it is an ancient architectural movement, Art Deco continues to influence styles around the world today, from residential projects to large modern buildings. In interior design, it is a way of bringing art and creativity into unique and sophisticated compositions.
