January 16, 2011
Graphic Design: A Brief History
Graphic illustrators near the end of the 19th century were concerned with shape, design and pattern. The man who influenced how graphic designers see a page, and how they use elements of design, died at the young age of 26 years. Artists continue to attempt to copy his highly individualistic interpretation of art nouveau. Further your knowledge on design at india graphic design.
Among the most significant and misunderstood literary characters of the day was Oscar Wilde, who promoted the merits of a wide range of artistic styles, as he felt that the art should be considered its own end and should not simply be considered for ethical or moral merits. This was the certain artist chosen by Wilde to create the illustrations for a literary piece that was simultaneously avant garde and disturbing. Using elegant sweeping lines and patterns, clever distortions and sinister eroticism, the young illustrator created a visual compliment to the tale.
This work was further distinguished by interconnection between white and black. He used wide borders and planes or shadows which contrasted with the delicate patterns etched upon a white surface. The background surface is typically uneven and motion is provided by long, uninterrupted bending lines. Although the actual characters found in his art are very simple outlines, their clothes or props are usually very detailed. This communication between these complex elements and the more simple forms are the foundation for the effectiveness of his works.
A renewed respect for medieval and early Renaissance decoration and design combined with a fascination with imports from Japan became a rich source of inspiration to many late 19th century designers. The youthful illustrator’s work remained copied on a grand scale in both the United States and Europe, and it turned out to be popular because of his drawings that were showcased in a few well known publications. It is still possible to find these works reproduced as lithographs and posters, and gracing the walls of people from all walks of life. More expert design information is located at crowdsource design.
It was toward the end of the 19th century that poster art began to evolve from being a medium of commercial advertising into a completely separate art form. Posters had already reached the color printing stage while books of that day were still printed in black and white. The leader in poster design used one sizable, bright, colorful, image to draw in the viewer. Verbiage describing the poster’s subject or topic was intentionally and strictly limited. Keeping his shapes simple and flat and his colors vibrant, he knew that simple design was the way to direct the viewer’s attention to the work. As in an Impressionist painting, his lines were somewhat fractured and hesitant in appearance. Tbis artist’s work is therefore widely known as the precursor to the true art nouveau poster aesthetic.
Another artist known for bolder lines and more flowing curves is considered as the father of the prototypical art nouveau poster. Slender young female figures in flowing, classically-inspired gowns and long, loose hair was the mainstay of this style. Mythic creatures and other fantasy motifs were often incorporated into these illustrations. Other artists became noteworthy by limiting their canvas to tall, thin shapes, filled with the image of a single woman. Patterns within these works are often inspired by fold art, Celtic works, Japanese woodcuts, mosaics from the Byzantine Era, Moorish & Arab decor, and the Hebrew alphabet.
You can easily partake of the varied graphic design talents of these turn of the last century artists via their numerous manuscripts and reprints of their works. Certain dealers specialize in selling late 19th century and early 20th century poster art. Large international antique shows often feature these dealers. These original pieces, in good condition, have been known to sell for thousands of dollars.
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