Art Deco (1920–1940), also known as the modern style, was a movement in the decorative arts and architecture born in the 1920 and became a major style in Western Europe. and in the United States in the 1930s. Its name is short for Arts Décoratifs, where it was first officially presented in 1925 at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes. However, the various styles of Art Deco had already appeared in Paris and Brussels before the First World War. Art Deco influenced the design of buildings, furniture, jewelry, fashion, cars, cinemas, trains, ocean liners and everyday objects such as radios. and vacuum cleaners. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay Art Deco works are symmetrical, geometric, clean, often simple and pleasing to the eye. Art Deco buildings feature distinctive smooth-finished building materials such as stucco, concrete block, glazed brick, or mosaic tile. Art Deco was influenced by the bold geometric shapes of Cubism as well as De Stijl and Futurism. During the 1930s, the style took over South Beach in Miami, Florida, which gave rise to an area known as the Art Deco Historic District. Although the style went out of fashion in most countries during World War II, there was a revival of interest in Art Deco design in the late 1960s. In the 21st century, Art Deco continues to 'be a source of inspiration in areas such as fashion and jewelry design. Art Deco was not a single style, but a collection of many different styles. It relied on bold designs, clear lines, vibrant colors and patterns. Geometric shapes and intense colors are predominant, the main characteristics coming from the different painting styles of the early 20th century. Influences on Art Deco were Art Nouveau, Bauhaus, Cubism and the Ballets Russes of Serge Diaghilev. Decorative ideas came from American Indians, Egyptians but also from nature. Art Deco design represented a modernism that later transformed into fashion. Its products included both individually made luxury items and mass-produced items. The intention was to create a clean elegance that symbolized wealth and sophistication. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized paper now from our expert writers. Get a Personalized Essay There are many characteristics that identify a building as Art Deco. Some features would be rectangular block shapes arranged geometrically and including curved ornamental elements. Other features are a smooth wall surface, sharp edges and a linear appearance. The use of stylized elements using geometric shapes such as zigzags, chevrons and window bands with decorative spandrels are also widely used. Donald Deskey's Rockefeller Center in New York, William Van Alen's Chrysler Building, and Shreve, Lamb, and Harmon's Empire State Building are the most monumental examples of Art Deco. Art Deco has truly influenced architecture and culture as a whole in the past, present and future. Works Cited Duncan, A. (2002). Art Deco. Thames & Hudson. Hillier, B. (1968). Art Deco from the 20s and 30s. Studio Vista. Isenstadt, S. and Ma, L. (eds.). (2008). Modernism and decorative arts in America: the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Norton.