Decorative Art

“The Significance of Applied Art" -Hermann Muthesius

Muthesius puts great importance on the artistic, cultural as well as economic elements of applied art. Artistic factors of applied art have changed over time reflecting the cultural developments. Some eras were influenced by past cultures and art forms. In previous historical times, art was to be viewed and enjoyed. In today's world, applied art tends to serve a purpose. They are not based on past works of art, they are new and original. Modern designers want function at the core of their piece of art. Muthesius states that the manufacturer must be involved and passionate about the new art movement. I feel that in today's society, designers and artists are developing new products and art that are better quality because they care about what they show the world and what society may think of their design. During the 19th century, manufacturers were more concerned about producing the art/product at a higher rate then the actual quality of the art. The economy plays a large part in producing art. I think that the creative elements of art should overpower the consumer side. We should appreciate the different levels of creativity that designers put forth in order for us to learn about several cultures and to learn about ourselves.

A chair with art incorporated into it

The Finished Product 

I think that the most important point that Walter Gropius is trying to make in “Manifesto of the Staatliche Bauhaus in Weimar” is that art is not always about the finished product but the time and effort you put into it while making the art. Working on any piece of art takes time. There are different factors to creating a building or art such as creating something as a whole or creating smaller pieces and then putting them together to create a larger work of art. According to Gropius "art is not a 'profession.' " Any career directed towards art relates back to craftsmanship. Designers must go through the design process of developing ideas and creating something and then starting over if it does not work.The Milan Cathedral took 579 years to build

Human Function Dictates Design

Le Corbusier's statement, "To search for the human scales, for human function, is to  define human needs" (p.84) means that the design of every product or building is based on humans. For example, a chair is designed with a back rest so humans do not develop back pain. Our hands are able to grip objects therefore the bottle and cup were invented. One does not know how a product will succeed in today's society without someone testing it out to see if it is suitable for the human race. 

Le Corbusier's definition of decorative art states  "To the tool-object, the human-limb, is now opposed the sentiment-object, the life-object." (p.85) This means that what was once originally developed to suit the function of a human could be adapted to appeal aesthetically. The materials used to build the product could also be changed to withstand years of use, making it a life time object.Easy drink water bottle. This is to make drinking water easier so we do not have to lean our neck back. It is also easier to fill up the water bottle at a drinking cooler or fountain.Chair with back support.

Works Cited

Frank, Isabelle (editor) (2000). The theory of decorative art: An anthology of European and American writings 1750 – 1940. New York: Yale University Press.