Curated and displayed for the first time ever from the Appleton’s impressive permanent collection of Art Deco objects, “Skylines to Hemlines” offers an introductory overview to early 20th century art, architecture, design, fashion, jewelry, paintings, prints and photographs created in the interwar period.
World War I (1914–1918) and World War II (1939–1945) serve as the bookends to the Art Deco Period (1919–1939). Since military combat was then a global endeavor, an international myriad of creatives — artists, architects, fashion designers and performers — adopted modern materials with streamlined functional forms. Artists appreciated and found inspiration in the everyday, exotic and the exuberant. Art Deco is arguably one of the most beloved, admired and often-imitated periods in global design history, and established a genuine aesthetic and accessible taste that remains influential today. Skyscraper skylines to flapper hemlines are where the exhibition begins.
(pictured) Demétre Haralamb Chiparus (Romanian, 1886–1947), “Dourga,” ca. 1925, Parcel-silvered and parcel-gilt bronze and ivory on onyx base, 18 ½ in. Gift of Arthur I. Appleton.
Textile fragment featuring bombers and a cityscape, ca. 1930s, Printed wool, 15 ½ x 15 in. Gift of Erik Jacobsen, via Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) 2021 Transfer.
Special Event for Director’s Circle Members
A Toast to Art Deco
Thursday, October 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
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