Art Deco

ART DECO

"Art Deco is characterized by a linear, hard edge or angular composition, often with a vertical emphasis, and highlighted with stylized decoration" (Blumenson 77). Also, Art Deco, while being decorative, is very simple, in that it doesn't have any complicated shapes. The Art Deco movement is also characterized by clean lines, streamlining, and symmetry (encarta.msn.com). In addition, Art Deco works exhibit abstraction, distortion, and simplification, particularly geometric shapes and highly intense colors (http://www.artlex.com/).

Art Deco celebrates the Machine Age through explicit use of man-made materials (particularly glass, stainless steel and the new plastics),[14] symmetry,[25] and repetition, modified by Asian influences such as the use of silks and Middle Eastern designs. It was strongly adopted in the United States during the Great Depression for its practicality and simplicity, while still portraying a reminder of better times and the "American Dream".[5]

Art Deco Color Schemes

http://www.decopix.com/LR_Color_Schemes_Gallery-Final/index.html