- The Industrial Revolution is an incredible turning point in history. With the use of machinery, materials and products were now widely accessible. The Industrial Revolution was a stepping out of the box. Although the industrial revolution was an undeniable powerful contribution to society, the design language or rather, lack of a specific design language led to interior spaces that were crowded and spoke too many different design languages. The availability and connivence of products resulted in interiors that were cluttered with goods. Out of the frustration of the cluttered design language that was being spoken at the time, John Ruskin along with Carlyle and Pugin began another revolution in response to the Industrial Revolution. Ruskin's desire was to bring back a focus on hand craftsmanship. "Ruskin's rejection of mass-produced furniture and his advocacy of design from the past influences a whole generation of writers and designers, most notably the socialist, designer and founder of the Arts and Crafts Movement, William Morris (1834-96)" (Massey 10). William Morris "...believed strongly that good design could only be produced by men and women working creatively with their hands" (Massey 12). This movement stripped away and simplified design and celebrated the use of hand crafting. Although perhaps the arts and craft movement did not have much of an influence in America or Europe, it sparked an awareness and a need to determine what exactly qualified as good design. The Arts and Craft movement was a starting point from which Art Nouveau would emerge.
The artifact I chose was a craftsman armchair. The armchair is simple, rhythmic, rectilinear, and the joinery is exposed to acknowledge that the piece was crafted by hand. It reclines as well and is often referred to as the Morris Chair, as it "...is based on the English Arts and Crafts version produced by William Morris and his firm" (Harwood 474).
Western art was greatly impacted by the eastern influences of Japan. Trade during the 19th century allowed for Japanese artifacts to circulate throughout America and Europe. Now that these artifacts were locally available, artists began looking to them for inspiration and drew many influences and techniques from these artifacts. This artifact by the American artist Bertha Lum, resembles many characteristics native to Japan. Not only is the paper she used Japanese, but the technique as well. The print making technique known as color woodcut is used here. Additionally, this painting embodies other characteristics
of Japanese influence like the lack of perspective, more flat surfaces filled with color, and the focus of the painting is off center.
The Royal Pavilion is characteristic of Indian design influence. India and China had close relationships with Britain and therefor Britain was greatly influenced by eastern countries architecture. This exotic, fantasy structure is built in the Indo-Saracenic style which is characterized by influences from Islam, Indian architecture. The Royal Pavilion that was built during the 19th century as a royal residency is truly breathtaking as it bares striking resemblance, both inside and out, to palaces found in India.
The Peacock Room is all inclusive of China's eastern design influence. The designer James Whistler was consumed with the culture and sought to bring the eastern culture within. Woodcut paintings are featured on the walls, framed by delicate gold framework. The framework that aligns the frame also holds porcelain ceramics he had collected over time from China. Whistler was an advocate for the aesthetic movement in which he believed the interior should be filled with beautiful things and as a result, life would be beautiful as well. Every surface of the room is carefully thought about. All decoration and ornamentation comes together in unity to create an interior that is reflective of Chinese influence.
All over America and England are gardens and landscapes inspired by Japanese influence. The Garden at Hillwood is an example of a place that adapted eastern influence. Elements seen in Japan like stuppas, lanterns and statues become the focal point of the garden as it is surrounded by shrubbery that would be found in Japan. This garden, as well as any other garden influenced by Japan, is very tranquil and every element of nature works together to create an atmosphere of peace and enjoyment.
Collectively artifacts, spaces, buildings, and spaces underwent transformation beginning in the 1900's when Eastern products made their way to the west. The World's Fair in London held an exhibition in which people could come and experience culture from all over the world under one roof. With products readily available, eastern influence spread throughout the western world and that influence is still carried out through the world today.
*other resources
Nice Drawing, good responses.
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