Brutal Nouveau: A Theoretical Shift

Mid-Century Modern embraces clean lines, organic materials, bold colors in emphasis and function over form.  Everyday objects become objects of beautify themselves. Clutter is minimized and ornamentation is minimal. The opposite of these characteristics is highly ornamented, form over function and  bold colors everywhere. This opposite is Maximalism. Given my prior blog post on Maximalism, the focus of this post will be on the opposite of Brutalism–Art Nouvaeu and Art Deco.

 

Brutalism mainly refers to Brutalist Architecture. Identifiable by its use use of exposed raw concrete and bold geometric forms. Its name is derived from the french term for raw concrete ‘beton brut’.

 

Art Nouveau emerged in the late 1800s and is characterized by flowing organic shapes and serpentine lines. It is inspired by, and frequently includes, forms inspired by the natural world such as stylized leaves, vines, flowers and animals. Those sinuous forms were usually created in wood, iron and glass. The iconic Tiffany lamps were development and made as a product of the American Art Nouveau movement.

 

Main differences between Art Nouveau and its successor Art Deco is the influence of Cubism and use of more modern materials, giving Art Deco a more geometric and industrial look. In terms of sculpture both styles overwhelming depict the human form, usually cast in bronze. Nouveau keeps its flowing, organic lines and nature iconography, usually accenting the female form. embodying grace and beauty.  Art Deco’s sculpt maintains the use of bronze and other metals. However the humans modeled trade adornment of nature for geometric props such as wings, hammers and other implications of power. These forms have a very notable authority demonstrated in the pieces. There is grace in the power exuded as well.

 

To shift my Upcyle Project from Brutalism to Art Nouveau and Art Deco would be a massive undertaking. The primary material being raw concrete posing the largest hurdle. The drawn design would be carved out of multiple cement cubes glued together. My ability to draw the human form not withstanding, the carving would be a graceful woman adorned in a flowing robe ideally reclined on a branch. Addressing the finish of cement versus the dark and undulating metals of Nouveau, the piece would need to be subsequently covered in iron, copper or otherwise painted to give the illusion of metal. Alternatively the piece could serve as a positive for a mold to be made and then steps taken to case the final piece in bronze or steel.

Image sources:

[1] https://edwardgeorgelondon.com/23-stunning-mid-century-modern-apartment-ideas-interior-designers-love/

[2]https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/check-out-demseys-vibrant-home#7

[3] https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/brutalist-architecture-101

[4] https://www.lalibre.be/belgique/2017/12/26/lindienne-qui-voulait-reparer-loeuvre-dhorta-dossier-MHHEOMXYKNDTHFRV4YCHWO7E6E/

[5] https://www.deconamic.com/item/art-deco-sculpture-athletic-man-lage-du-bronze-demetre-h-chiparus/

[6] https://youtube.com/shorts/EKFy-hzdpQM?feature=share