History of Design I Cheatsheet

Cheatsheet Content

1. Postmodernism & Bauhaus Postmodernism Furniture: Rejects modernist principles (functionality, minimalism). Emphasizes ornamentation, historical references, and playful forms. Often uses new materials and technologies. Examples: Memphis Group (Ettore Sottsass), Michael Graves' furniture. Bauhaus: Definition: German art school (1919-1933) known for its approach to design that combined crafts and fine arts. Core Principles: Form follows function, minimalist aesthetic, mass production compatibility, unity of art and technology. Key Figures: Walter Gropius, Mies van der Rohe, Marcel Breuer. Inspirations: German Expressionism, Arts and Crafts movement, De Stijl, Constructivism. Barcelona Chair: Designer: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich (1929). Description: Iconic modernist chair, known for its elegant form, "X"-shaped chrome frame, and leather cushions. Designed for the German Pavilion at the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona. 2. Prehistory & Early Art Prehistory: Period before written records. Divided into Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age. Understanding based on archaeological findings (artifacts, cave paintings, structures). Stonehenge & Menhir: Stonehenge: Prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England. Composed of large standing stones arranged in a circle. Believed to have astronomical significance. Menhir: Large upright standing stone erected in prehistoric times, often for ritualistic purposes. Cave Painting: Art found on cave walls and ceilings, primarily from the Paleolithic period. Depicts animals (bison, horses, deer), human hands, and abstract symbols. Examples: Lascaux (France), Altamira (Spain). Techniques: Use of natural pigments (ochre, charcoal), applied with fingers, brushes, or by blowing through reeds. Iron Age: Period characterized by the widespread use of iron for tools and weapons. Followed the Bronze Age, marked by advancements in metallurgy and societal organization. Bronze Age: Period characterized by the use of bronze (an alloy of copper and tin) for tools and weapons. Saw the rise of early civilizations, urban centers, and complex social structures. 3. Classical, Medieval & Renaissance Periods Classical Period: Refers primarily to ancient Greece and Rome (approx. 800 BCE - 600 CE). Characterized by emphasis on reason, order, harmony, and idealized forms in art and architecture. Key artistic forms: Sculpture (idealized human form), architecture (temples, columns), pottery. Bubonic Plague in Art: The Black Death (14th century) profoundly impacted art. Themes of death, suffering, and divine judgment became prominent. Increased focus on macabre imagery, danse macabre (dance of death), and individual piety. Decline in large-scale artistic projects due to loss of patrons and artists. Togas and Sculpture (Classical): Togas: Garments worn by ancient Romans, symbolizing citizenship and status. Often depicted in Roman sculpture. Sculpture: Roman sculpture often depicted realistic portraits, historical narratives, and imperial propaganda. Greek sculpture focused on idealized human forms, mythological subjects, and athletic prowess. Medieval Period: Also known as the Middle Ages (approx. 5th to 15th century CE). Art was largely religious, serving the Church. Styles: Romanesque (heavy, rounded arches) and Gothic (pointed arches, flying buttresses, stained glass). Key art forms: Illuminated manuscripts, frescoes, tapestries, cathedrals. Renaissance: "Rebirth" of classical art and learning (approx. 14th to 17th century). Originated in Italy, spread across Europe. Emphasis on humanism, perspective, realism, and individual achievement. Key Artists: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael. 4. Industrial Revolution & Art Deco Industrial Revolution: Period of major technological, socioeconomic, and cultural change (late 18th to mid-19th century). Shift from agrarian to industrial economies. Causes of Industrialization: Agricultural revolution, population growth, abundant natural resources (coal, iron), stable political systems, development of new technologies (steam engine, textile machinery), capital for investment. Impact on Design: Mass production, new materials (iron, steel, glass), rise of factory system, division of labor, emergence of industrial design. Art Deco: Definition: Influential visual arts design style that emerged in France in the 1920s and flourished globally until the 1940s. Start: Officially recognized at the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris. Characteristics: Geometric shapes, bold colors, streamlined forms, rich ornamentation, use of luxurious materials (chrome, glass, exotic woods), inspired by ancient Egyptian, Aztec, and Cubist art. Main Artists/Designers: Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann: Luxury furniture. Tamara de Lempicka: Iconic Art Deco portraits. René Lalique: Glassware and jewelry. Cassandre (Adolphe Mouron): Graphic designer, advertising posters. William Van Alen: Architect (Chrysler Building). Colors: Often bold and contrasting, including gold, silver, black, chrome, deep reds, blues, and greens. Images Used: Stylized flora and fauna, sunburst motifs, ziggurats, lightning bolts, aerodynamic forms, classical figures, and imagery from newly discovered ancient civilizations. 5. Kerala Mural Painting Description: Traditional frescoes of Kerala, South India, dating back to the 9th century. Characteristics: Depict Hindu deities, mythological scenes, and epic narratives. Rich, vibrant color palette (red, yellow, green, black, white, blue) from natural pigments. Stylized human figures with exaggerated features, expressive eyes, and elaborate ornamentation. Intricate details and borders. Found on temple walls, palaces, and churches. Technique: Applied on prepared walls using vegetable and mineral dyes.