Is Art Deco Modern or Postmodern?

Art|Modern Art

Art Deco: Modern or Postmodern?

Art Deco is an influential design movement, which emerged in the early twentieth century. It has had a major impact on the world of design, and it is still visible today in many aspects of our lives. But is Art Deco modern or postmodern?

The answer to this question depends on what is meant by the terms “modern” and “postmodern.” Generally speaking, modern designs tend to be more geometric and abstract in nature, while postmodern designs are more playful and expressive. In terms of Art Deco, it could be argued that its design elements can fit into either category.

On the one hand, Art Deco has some very modernistic characteristics. Its clean lines and symmetrical shapes are reminiscent of modernist architecture and art.

It also embraced new materials such as stainless steel and Bakelite, as well as new production methods such as mass-manufacturing. All of these elements point to a modernist sensibility.

On the other hand, Art Deco also has some postmodern elements. Its use of bright colors and bold patterns can be seen as an expression of individualism and freedom from traditional conventions – something which is often associated with postmodernism. Additionally, its influences from African tribal art, Native American culture and Asian motifs point to a more eclectic approach that is characteristic of postmodernism.

Overall, it seems that Art Deco fits somewhere in between modernism and postmodernism – it has elements of both styles but does not fit neatly into either one. This makes sense given its emergence during a period when both styles were competing for dominance in the world of design.

In conclusion, whether Art Deco is modern or postmodern depends on how you define those terms – but it certainly has elements of both styles that make it unique and distinctive in its own right.