Week 4: Protomodernism
In 1897, protomodernism began as yet another movement against the Victorian Period and its historicism just like the Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts Movements. It consisted of various projects that preceded modernism.
Similar to the Art Nouveau period, the artists of protomodernism used nature as a source of inspiration but disliked ornamentation, and instead translated their inspiration into linear and geometric forms. The main players of the movement in Europe were Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands.
In Germany, the Deutscher Werkbund was an association of artists, architects, designers, and craftsmen. They lef historical precedents behind looking for a new and modern approach leading them to use nature in a bold and linear way. They embraced the use of machines to produce high-quality designs for the masses.
The Vienna Secession, on the other hand, happened in Austria when there were significant achievements in art, history, psychology, philosophy, and other fields. Otto Wager and Adolf Loos' writings were very significant in molding the characteristics of the era and three institutions aided the secessionists in the prompt rebirth of the arts as they flat out rejected Art Nouveau and yearned to find an Austrian style that was available for the masses. Materials they used included plywood, aluminum, metals, and bent beechwood to produce beautiful chairs.
In these places, tables, chairs and case piece were the most important kind of furniture. A lot of families had a case piece/book-case to keep valuables. The range of materials increased, including leather, vellum, silk upholstered seats and furniture. There were a lot of rectilinear, elongated, and rectangular shapes during this period.
In 1917, the Netherlands launched their version called De Stijl which translates to 'the style'. they brought about a new style for the future. It was very geometric, using primary colors and no textures. The design often simple, functional and geometric with no ornamentation and inexpensive enough to get out to everyone regardless of class.
Frank Lloyd Wright sought to create an American vocabulary. He established himself in Oak Park after learning under Sullivan. He focused on nature and liked the natural motif and focused on bringing nature and views into the house. Colors he used were influenced by indigenous plants. He believed in crafting a total designed environment just like the Secessionist Gesamtkunstwerk.
One Step Further...
Born on December 15th, 1870, Josef Hoffmann was an Architect and an Artist who practiced for 50 years. He studied under Otto Wagner and was one of the Architects who led the way with the Vienna Secession.
In 1899, he became a professor at the now University of Applied Arts Vienna and in 1903 along with Koloman Moser he established the Wiener Werkstätte, a production community of visual artists in Vienna, that brought various artists, designers and architects together.
He designed various things from building structures to furniture and cutlery. His work is primarily characterized by linear and geometrical lines, simplicity, and sometimes, the typical reduction to black and white.
I really like how his work still looks very good even without extra ornamentation. It shows that you really don't have to do too much to have beautiful and successful designs.
Similar to the Art Nouveau period, the artists of protomodernism used nature as a source of inspiration but disliked ornamentation, and instead translated their inspiration into linear and geometric forms. The main players of the movement in Europe were Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands.
In Germany, the Deutscher Werkbund was an association of artists, architects, designers, and craftsmen. They lef historical precedents behind looking for a new and modern approach leading them to use nature in a bold and linear way. They embraced the use of machines to produce high-quality designs for the masses.
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| The Secession Building, Vienna by Josef Olbrich, 1898 |
The Vienna Secession, on the other hand, happened in Austria when there were significant achievements in art, history, psychology, philosophy, and other fields. Otto Wager and Adolf Loos' writings were very significant in molding the characteristics of the era and three institutions aided the secessionists in the prompt rebirth of the arts as they flat out rejected Art Nouveau and yearned to find an Austrian style that was available for the masses. Materials they used included plywood, aluminum, metals, and bent beechwood to produce beautiful chairs.
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| Chair by Koloman Moser for Purkersdorf Sanatorium, 1903 Medium: Cane and Wood |
In 1917, the Netherlands launched their version called De Stijl which translates to 'the style'. they brought about a new style for the future. It was very geometric, using primary colors and no textures. The design often simple, functional and geometric with no ornamentation and inexpensive enough to get out to everyone regardless of class.
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| Robie House, Chicago by Frank Lloyd Wright, 1910. |
Frank Lloyd Wright sought to create an American vocabulary. He established himself in Oak Park after learning under Sullivan. He focused on nature and liked the natural motif and focused on bringing nature and views into the house. Colors he used were influenced by indigenous plants. He believed in crafting a total designed environment just like the Secessionist Gesamtkunstwerk.
Current Applications
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| De Stijl inspired Clock |
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| Interior of Linear House by Patkau Architects, British Columbia, Canada. 2006-2009 |
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| Interior of the Purkersdorf Sanatorium, Austria. 1904 |
In 1899, he became a professor at the now University of Applied Arts Vienna and in 1903 along with Koloman Moser he established the Wiener Werkstätte, a production community of visual artists in Vienna, that brought various artists, designers and architects together.
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| Kubus Chair, 1910 Hardwood Frame covered with rubber foam webbing Upholstered in leather |
I really like how his work still looks very good even without extra ornamentation. It shows that you really don't have to do too much to have beautiful and successful designs.
Simi, I always find it interesting when popular furniture from history was made to be inexpensive enough for the common person, such as what we learned about with De Stijl.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said about the interior of the Purkersdorf. It is very beautiful even with little ornamentation. It is very calming with the simplicity of the decor.
ReplyDeleteSimi- this is one of the most comprehensive Blog entries I have read. You included a very detailed summary of the Protomodernism period. Your images included exterior, interior, furniture and accessories. Focusing on Josef Hoffman for One step further was a good choice.
ReplyDelete