Art Deco in the 1920s

The aesthetic of the 1920s was certainly unique and instantly recognizable. For those of us (me included) who don't know much about art, it's difficult to pinpoint the characteristics. The most important art movement of the '20 was Art Deco. So here's a closer, though unprofessional, look at 1920s aesthetic.

[albertoftasmania]

To me, Art-Deco still screams "new" or "futuristic" to me, even outside of the 1920's context. It feels very functional but not in a soulless way.

[jenweil]

There is in Art Deco a synthesis of elements that are intrinsically pleasing to the human eye and spirit. Its curves and angles, sleekness and opulence, vivid colors paired with the shine of metals and transparency of glass appeal to the imagination and the senses. Art Deco is a visual confection.

[sbespn]

A lot of old Hollywood theatres were built in art deco style and had names like "The Egyptian", etc.

[mina_mega]

i like Art Deco so much, my master is entitled "Art Deco and its impact on interior design", , , this style is the best

[riverraisin]

Art Deco was the height of design style. We've gone downhill ever since.
Disclaimer: I'm a fan of pretty much all movements since, but none of them compares.

[BurntToast]

LET'S BRING BACK ART DECO. ITS THE 20'S AGAIN ANYWAY. 🥰

[fizzao]

I love Art Deco as well as Art Nouveau with its curves, arches and sleek style as well as spikes. There was an Art Deco cinema near where we lived that was torn down for a block of flats. It's hideous. The cinema was a little jewel box. It broke my heart.

[lindaeasley]

I think I fell in love with art deco because I really like geometric shapes and this style captures them so elegantly

[Workingclasshussys]

As a former NYC tour guide, I really admire your appreciation for Art Deco. Besides the Chrysler Building, I would also suggest checking out the General Electric Building, the Fred F. French Building, and the Fuller Building, which are all lesser known- but equally as magnificent- Art Deco masterpieces (assuming you weren't already aware of them.) Also, the two spires atop the Waldorf Astoria Hotel are assumed to be directly influenced by the architecture in the film, Metropolis. The stainless steel, winged, zeppelin mooring mast atop the Empire State Building is an often overlooked Art Deco detail as well. And then there's the paintings and sculptures that adorn the Rockefeller Center buildings. (Nit-picky note: The photo of the building under construction at 4:52 in your video is actually the Woolworth Building completed in 1913. It pre-dates Art Deco with its Neo-Gothic edifice, and held the title of the world's tallest habitable structure until the Chrysler Building succeeded it about 17 years later.) Anyway, nice job!

[playme]

Egyptian influence due to the discovery in the early 1920's of the undisturbed tomb of the young King Tut. Virginia

[markcarey]

I don't think Art Deco went out of style. It got eclipsed by the war, and after the war there was a new world to design and rebuild, with different needs and desires.
Excellent vid but. Call y'self an amateur but this is well researched and depicted and delivered.

[starperfectdeer]

The Batman cartoon in the 90s made me love this style

[fairenough]

Art Deco makes me think streamline, sleek, yet elegant.
Brilliant style

[caspence]

I always loved movies from the 1920's and 30's, sometimes not for the storylines, but for the set decors and the fashions. I have a "fantasy/daydream" of winning the lottery and building and furnishing a house in the art deco style. Oh well, we can all dream, right?

[dianekennedy]

I love art deco. Some years back, I inherited a diamond wedding ring. Since I am no longer married, I had it remounted into a custom art deco mounting. The diamonds look like long rectangles side by side in varying lengths. It turned out really nice.

[georgekuiper]

to me ART DECO stands out for one reason only - it is TIMELESS!

[modfus]

For somebody who made a point of telling us he is not an "expert", the narrator did an excellent job at analyzing the Art Deco style. His background info was accurate and well explained - but most of all I am impressed by the narrator's personal interpretations of the style - he shows great perceptiveness and sensitivity to this period style.

[WinstonSmithGPT]

Art deco is making a comeback. I saw an exhibit of early art deco pieces from the actual exhibition. It was shockingly futuristic but as you say, drawing on all the elements, forms and artisanal skill of earlier styles.

[observerofmadness]

The 1920s is, in my opinion the most fascinating time in American, and European history. The movie Metropolis is somehow prophetic of the political trends of Germany a decade later. I love your videos. They are crisp and full of information and I think, very accurate. Keep up the good work from a new subscriber.

[jenniferlynn]

There are many design aesthetics I appreciate, but Art Nouveau and Art Deco evoke unique feelings: Excitement, splendor, grandeur - and as you mentioned, sophistication and elegance. Those two design styles are usually associated with cities and wealth - which I believe is why Art Deco is so enthralling.
Many design styles of preceding decades are associated with nobility - but Art Deco was accessible to aspiring sophisticates. Step into a Deco theater and you immediately feel as though you’re swept up in something separate from the ordinary ...you feel special and elevated and immediately refined. What other design can do that for someone? None I can think of!!!