Art & Design in the Roaring '20s

One hundred years ago, America was in the throes of post war prosperity, technological advances, and the French-inspired style known for its sleek and elegant lines known as Art Deco. There were more Americans populating cities than farmland and with that, vast differences in lifestyle. For some, it was a time known for its newfound freedoms, hedonism and excess, for others a return to pre-war isolationism and good old fashioned home values.

World War I gave rise to technology in a way that only wartime can. Life changed drastically for the everyday person, while there was wealth and luxury that had never been seen before. More than half of the country had access to electricity, prompting many to buy washing machines, freezers, and other household goods that freed up time and energy. Many people began to buy their clothing off the rack, rather than make it themselves. Radios swept the nation and Americans had more leisure time than ever before.

Artists were inspired to experiment and create something completely different to reflect the new era they were living in. Expressionism rose to popularity as a form of rebellion to impressionism; it was much more subjective and championed the perspective and emotions of the artist. With fantastical colors and themes, surrealism also gained a following. Based on the workings of the irrational mind, it enjoyed an audience ready to suspend disbelief and explore their subconscious.

In terms of architecture and design, Art Deco was at the forefront. A departure from Art Nouveau with its curvy lines and asymmetry, Art Deco is characterized by its linear geometry and elegant silhouettes. The Chrysler Building in Chicago is the best and most recognizable example, but there are several public buildings like the New York Public Library, Union Station in Los Angeles, and city halls all over the country. The new Art Deco style symbolized and projected the progress and modernity of the time.

The 1920s were a time of contradiction; it was a time of rebellion and expression, Prohibition and freedom. Only in this way could the structured geometry of the Art Deco movement properly reflect the time. Most of all, it was a time of exploration and experimentation, both in art and in everyday life. With unprecedented economic prosperity and growth, comes catastrophic devastation. In 1929, the stock market crashed and the United States was plunged into the Great Depression. As the old adage suggests, "history repeats itself"; let's hope 2024 repeats only the best parts of history.

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