ISSUES WITH WORK UPLOADING

     Unfortunately, although the timeline and presentation is complete and printed, I have left my digital copies on my hard-drive, a hard-drive I have left at university. As a result of this, the final timeline and presentation cannot be uploaded until tomorrow afternoon. 

As an additional issue spawned from this forgetfulness  I have been unable to write speaker notes for the presentation  The best I can do now is know my own research inside and out and hopefully, present it well enough for the grade I wish to achieve. 

NEXT POST: VIOLENCE IN GAMES: FINAL TIMELINE AND PRESENTATION

VIOLENCE IN GAMES: CHILLER OF THE ARCADE (1986)

The premise?

"Find ways to kill them victims quicker..." 

    This quote sums up Chiller of The Arcade, released in 1986, instantly. Released originally in the arcade, then swiftly moving over to the NES, Chiller of the Arcade took the player through various classic horror film settings, letting players take control of the avatar - the murderer. The aim of the game game is simple, in each stage, find a way to kill the "helpless victims" using torture devices - again, a game focused entirely around murder with extreme violence. The image below gives a great impression of the game play.

CHILLER OF THE ARCADE - DUNGEON VIOLENCE GAMEPLAY

     Players earn points through finding creative ways to murder these helpless victims as quick as possible. Every action you take mutilates the victims in a clearly graphic and needless way. As discussed in previous posts, culture isn't kind to games that mindlessly use violence for progression and entertainment - Chiller of the Arcade does, much like Carmageddon and Manhunt 1 'and' 2.

     For the time, Chiller of the Arcade had realistic graphics, it made use of its pixels completely  allowing the game to represent violence and proportion as realistically as Carmageddon, only on a 2D. The issue, at this time, was that games were not rated 18, this would only come into play in the fifth generation. Because of this, many kids had a copy of this game and in result, controversy spared, with a quote stating "this games promotes he murder of innocent people, not enemies that can defend them self . And in that sense  I agree, just as I do with the other mindlessly violent games I have researched.

    To me, along with Andrews research on games like Manhunt and Grand Theft Auto, this solidifies our conclusion, and will form the basis of the timeline and presentation. Along with the angle I have highlighted, Andrew has also revealed some interesting aspects of violence in games. Aspects such as "Can violence be used to evoke emotions and drive story?" or "Do games influence gamers to commit crime?". With all of these angles, I personally believe both I and Andrew have conducted a thorough and conclusive research portfolio covering violence in games - we explored every angle we though necessary.

NEXT POST: ISSUES WITH WORK UPLOADING

VIOLENCE IN GAMES: SOLDIER OF FORTUNE (2000)

               In the majority of the research I have carried out, violence in games was always existent because of three things, entertainment, culture, and conflict. As I move into modern times with modern digital games and violence, there has been a clear shift in how and why this violence is used along with how it is consumed and perceived - the clear culprit is evolution of culture. Carmageddon showed this with mindless violence for the sake of violence, and Manhunt (as seen in Andrew's blog) seemed to take weird pride in disturbing murders that the players committed - both of which caused serious controversies. This next game, Soldier of Fortune, didn't cause a controversy, but caused many heads to turn at the level of violence you could commit.

SOLDIER OF FORTUNE (2000) - CONTEXT SENSITIVE VIOLENCE

       Soldier of Fortune, originally released in 2000 on PC, is a first person shooter that pushes mutilation and context sensitive damage as a USP using the "GHOUL Damage Model engine developed by Raven Software" that "enabled the depiction of extreme graphic violence" - the developers and publishers of Soldier of Fortune 1 and 2. Although praised for it's character and entertaining game play and damage mechanics, in 2000 after it's release, the controversy began - Soldier of Fortune was rated specifically an "Adult Motion Picture", in other words, it was labelled as "Pornography".

     It sounds crazy, but the level of detail the engine facilitated was unheard of before this release. Players could take a knife, and literally cut away into the corpses, revealing more and more organs. This completely optionally mechanic served no real purpose, arming players with a knife for the sole purpose of causing bodily mutilation  This extreme take on violence, although entertaining on the most part, was clearly controversial, but it's important to note that it is completely optional. Players could turn the violence off, revealing the solid first person game play experience that it was praised for.

     In a sense, Soldier of Fortune is a coin of two sides. One one side, you have a violent game that really has no need for it, where as on the other side, you have a great first person shooter with a solid story, that has no violence or at least optional. So it seems violence isn't 'always' a terrible thing, but became of this games positives, it highlights the issues of violence in video games with a a bright light - mindless violence is what causes the controversy, not violence itself. Maybe it gives off a bad message? That's not to say it makes people commit murder.

     Personally, I played the game and loved it when it was released, but I was shocked by the violence and have never looked at games the same way again. In fact, when I first played it, I was disturbed when I first shot an enemy with a shotgun and saw the limbs detach, revealing bones and organs. Yes, it gave the game it's character, and yes, I will always remember it for the violence, but I don't believe the violence was used in a despicable manner like Carmageddon or Manhunt did. It's all about how you use it in a stern modern society. Again, it is society that is the factor, after all, it is just a game, one of which was rated for adults, not children - parents chose to buy it for them.

                 This game isn't the most well known violent game in the short history of video games, but to me, it's been the most important as of yet, as it's positives highlight the negatives and causes for controversy for not just this game, but for all the previous games I have researched. I guess this is the research almost done when you consider the work Andrew has done. We have highlighted a pattern, researched the deeper factors behind it, and pinpointed the causes. Now all that is left, is to solidify these conclusions and complete the timeline and presentation to exhibit our findings.

NEXT POST: VIOLENCE IN GAMES: CHILLER OF THE ARCADE (1986)

VIOLENCE IN GAMES: CARMAGEDDON (1997)

     When the fifth generation of gaming consoles hit the market, the 1994 console release Playstation 1 promised better graphics, better game play and far greater immersion. In most cases, the Playstation proved successful, but it was soon apparent that this creative freedom could be utilized for something different that had never been done before - realistic violence.

CARMAGEDDON - VIOLENT GAMEPLAY

      I personally remember opening up a gaming magazine to read in depth about SCI's new IP, Carmageddon - what Mail Online calls; 

"The most controversial game of all time". 

It seemed fun and fresh, but at such a young age, it actually disturbed me, because Camageddon's concept and game play revolved entirely around one thing - murder by reckless driving. Instantly  this gives off all kinds of wrong messages to children, and considering it was my first look at violence in anything, It's safe to say it had a negative impact on me.

    Here's the premise - players race against other opponents whilst battling against a timer. The only way to beat the timer, is to run over pedestrians violently to earn time bonuses. The ability to commit such mindless violent acts is no surprise when you consider the Vikings and various other cultures did the exact same thing ages ago, but regardless, controversy stuck hard considering the new platform and potentially exposed audience.

  In a culture where murder is illegal, the death penalty is banished and pretty much any negative action is looked down upon, Armageddon was an in your face reminder that this type of violence isn't welcome anymore (unlike in the Roman rule). Along with this dismissal and controversy over this extremely graphic virtual violence, the platform posed issues also - children could join in on the violence (virtual violence of course). But considering I was effected greatly by it (I cried), it's easy to see how such easy exposure to violence is controversial, raising many questions as to where and what games should be and go. In fact, this game was so violent for the time, it was the first game to be refused an ERSB rating - it was too violent.

    Carmageddon was one of the first real controversies in gaming, as this experience was a more immersive than it's arcade counterparts such as Death Race (similar concept), as they were just concepts backed by 8-bit graphics, Carmageddon was a concept executed through fully 3D models of violence - violence which dominated the entire screen and game. It was seen as 'entertainment' to commit such blind acts of virtual violence. It not only spread the message that violence was entertaining and rewarding, but it glorified it and promoted reckless driving to potential innocent children. The latter point is the key point in this controversy, and still is today.

SCI eventually re-cut the game, replacing "pedestrians with zombies" to justify the violence, but in an open statement, SCI admitted that "the violence and controversy was deliberately courted" - this says it all really.

     Now, there are many sides to this argument that exist even today. But Camrageddon was admittedly one of those games that went to far too soon. What I find interesting about this game however, is it's sheer contrast (and similarities) to the previous research I have carried out. Carmageddon was a game that used violence for no other reason than to have violence. And when children could be exposed to such things and a culture that is radically different that for example, the Roman Empire, you have a game that allowed people to commit acts of violence with no punishment, only reward. This is the difference between then and now. Back in ancient times, violence may have been more common in society as a whole, but when used for entertainment, it was mostly controlled, usually backed by cultural praxis or military conflict. Here, it's mindless and dangerous.

From this point, if you take a look at Andrew's blog, you will see that this pattern in a revised modern society continue to make itself known, bringing along many controversial stories along with it. Games such as Manhunt and Grand Theft Auto stimulate the same arguments from different angles, and I think this is entirely down to the platform, modern society, and the use of violence in this accessible media.

                It's surprising to say, that even with this controversy that still makes itself known today, Camrageddon is actually being remade as a result of a die hard community kickstarter, again, spawning further controversy. Carmageddon was a lesson to all developers when it came to violence in games, but violence in games has never held back, the way it is used however, has changed.

NEXT POST: VIOLENCE IN GAMES: SOLIDER OF FORTUNE (2000)

VIOLENCE IN GAMES: TIMELINE TEMPLATE

      After completing the majority of my research (the rest to be carried out tomorrow), highlighting patterns and key aspects of violence in games, I decided to make a start on the timeline that will work in co-operation with the presentation that both me and Andrew are to give on Wednesday the 17th of April.

     The original idea was to present the timeline adopting a 'crime board' theme, as discussed in a previous post of mine. However, whilst attempting to develop that idea on Photoshop, it seemed boring - I guess it sounded better on paper. So I decided to scrap that idea on the most part and blend it with another visual style. Some aspects still remain, such as the pins, the notes and pretty much the whole practical theme, but I blended it with a nice digital layout that I think looks much better.

It doesn't look too flashy small, so open the image in another tab to see it at it's nearly full quality! 

VIOLENCE IN GAMES: TIMELINE TEMPLATE
by Christian Whelan

    I must note, that this is just a template, ready to have the information thrown in there - it is not a finished idea. The idea is to have the concept above, with a little more information in there, and I mean a little. Such information types such as quotes and buzzwords will be added in where necessary, to make the timeline a little more readable, a at the moment, it's just pictures and dates, which is a timeline for sure, but not a very interesting one.

     Although a low resolution when you look at it, the timeline is actually A4 in height and 5 times A4 in width, so it's quiet a lengthy timeline. I may need more space, but me and Andrew will try our best to compile all the information onto this template.

   Anyway, I think Andrew will like it, so once I get approval, we'll compile the research, put it into the timeline, and by tomorrow night, it should be finished along with the research and coupling presentation.

NEXT POST: VIOLENCE IN GAMES: CARMAGEDDON (1997)

VIOLENCE IN GAMES: VIDEO GAMES TO RESEARCH

     As I gear up to analyzing violence in modern games, I've made a note of what key games I should research. They need to be varied, highlight issues, facilitate conclusions and most importantly, support the evidence and research I've found. However, I do hope that these games offer more questions, as that will only develop my knowledge on the subject and ensure my research is informed and valid. 

• MANHUNT
• GRAND THEFT AUTO
• CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE 2
• MORTAL KOMBAT (PAST AND PRESENT)
• SOLDIER OF FORTUNE 1 / 2
• KARMAGEDDON

    I hope to draw solid conclusions from these and the previous games that contain violence, but to be honest  I think although I will, it will still mostly be opinions facilitated by research and evidence. Violence in games is a controversial topic that has many sides, but no solid evidence to solidify any argument as the definitive answer.

NEXT POST: VIOLENCE IN GAMES: TIMELINE TEMPLATE

VIOLENCE IN GAMES: IGN VIOLENCE ARTICLES

     Even when not researching for this project, I'm coming across really notable and interesting articles and videos on modern video game violence. Articles that discuss  contemplate and highlight conclusions on violence in games - articles that can only benefit my research.

Most recently, IGN posted two articles discussing violence in games, which is a statement in itself about how controversial and popular the topic in question is. Both focus on Senator Feinstein's views, but it draws a nice contrast between the leaders and official's views of violence in ancient times to now, pointing at culture and morality being the primary cause of our different views of violence in games and culture.

SENATOR FEINSTEIN ON GUN CRIME

     Senator Feinstein has never been known to appreciate violence in games, or any form of violence or crime in fact, she shows some real dedication to the concerns of such a topic with it;s relation to crime, or gun crime more importantly, so her opinions are really valid in this research task.

In the first article discusses her opinion that there is a clear connection between violence in games to violence in reality (found in the article link below).

LINK

     She states, “I think the really violent video game becomes a kind of simulator to practice on,” she said. “It enables the individual to become much more familiar with that depiction of death and blood. Of course it's not the way it is in real life.”. It's a completely valid point, some games like Flashpoint can really offer such realistic 'training;' combat simulator experiences, but as she says, it doesn't make them an expert. However, what this doesn't prove however, is that violence in games can directly influence a player's decision to actually take action and commit murder or violence against innocent people. That is surely all down to psychology and the psychology of that individual  which can lead to many topics such as childhood upbringing  social encounters and experiences and much more. Which is fitting, because she then goes on to say that games have a "very negative influence on children". I understand this point, 20 years ago, games were unrealistic representation of conflict and violence, now, games are so realistic  they could be considered life simulators - simulators that offer clear violence as a rewarding alternative. Whether or not this is the intention of game developers is not definite. Maybe violence in games is just a form of entertainment as it always has been, and it's modern society and it's pressures that has spawned such recent horrible and controversial crimes. Either way, it is something developers should take into account.

I shall research more into this when looking at violence in modern games, both controversial and common games.

The second article again, covers Feinstein's views on violence in games. This time, in relation to the recent shootings in America.

LINK

    She believes that games have “a very negative role for young people, and the industry ought to take note of that.” She went on to say, "If Sandy Hook doesn't do it, if the knowledge of these video games this young man played doesn't, then maybe we have to proceed, but that is in the future.”

   This comment is supposedly supported by the vague link that Sandy Hook was an avid gamer. It could be circumstantial, or it may be the sole cause. I guess this is a discussion that is still yet to conclude - I can only give my 'opinion' based on the research I can find. I for one, do not believe this is entirely the case, as discussed in the last post. But one thing that is for certain, is that in today's culture with today's tragic events, developers need to evaluate how violence is used in gaming - not that all developers use it wrongly.

I think the validity of such comments can only be established once I look at further studies on violence and violence in games. In fact, I recently found a little biological study that could facilitate some of these comments whilst also dismissing them. Violent game's don't 'create' murders, they stimulate them and 'could reinforce there decisions.

NEXT POST: VIOLENCE IN VIDEO GAMES: VIDEO GAMES TO RESEARCH

VIOLENCE IN GAMES: TIMELINE IDEAS

        A key part of this research project is to present and communicate the findings and conclusions through a visually rich timeline. Creativity is one of my great hobbies, especially when Photoshop is concerned, and when you consider the timeline is to be heavy on visual information rather than textual information, a successfully designed timeline is key.

I don't want a linear, everyday timeline. It's too boring considering the topic my research is focused upon. I want it to fit the theme, be creative, be fun, but most importantly, just look cool. So I have a few ideas on how to tackle it - ideas that fir the idea of a visually rich themed timeline.

POLICE CRIME BOARD - I've been watching Dexter recently, and often, episodes feature the stereotypical crime board. Boards where images of suspects, victims and locations are pinned to a white board with minimal information, the sole purpose of such visual material, is to be presented to the detectives and forensics' specialists by those already informed.

Maybe I could use that idea to have a none linear timeline and to ensure the timeline is heavy in visuals. To further reflect the theme of violence (the topic) I could overlay blood spatter, maybe even have buzzwords drawn around the "crime board" in blood smears. This would both help convey the theme to those listening to the presentations whilst helping myself and Andrew to present the information rather than holding cue cards. Plus, it would just look cool.

CRIME BOARD - EXAMPLE

COLOUR SCHEME IDEA

RORSCHACH INK - When I think of crime, I think of violence, then psychology. Considering psychology may have be the driving force for this timeline, maybe there could be some way to present the timeline as a Ink Blot test. I think this is by far the most ambitious and interesting design. But presenting the timeline around this idea may cause issues. Yes, I don't want it to be linear, but I still want a logical order to the information. After all, it is a time "line".

RORSCHACH INK BLOT - EXAMPLE

      So they are my ideas so far, I'm still yet waiting to discuss these ideas with Andrew (my project partner) but I like them, and I'm sure he will too. I'm still thinking of other ideas, but as a starting point, these two ideas are great, as this research project could go two ways, and now, I have a timeline idea for both.

NEXT POST: COMING SOON!

VIOLENCE IN GAMES: INITIAL GOALS AND ARTICLES

      It's incredibly hard to find practical, never mind relieble evidence, when researching violence in games to draw an comprehensive and informed conclusion. Violence in Video Games is a topic with great coverage, arguments, speculations and conclusions, but beyond that, evidence seems to wane the deeper you delve into history or culture unless you know specificly what you are searching for.

So as a starting point, I have decided to path out my research. What do I want to know and what do I need to know? These are the questions that will be asked when researching violence in games (not just video games) as a whole. The answers to those questions are below and will form the basis of this assignment.

This is very much a living plan - further research can and may inform the direction of this study.

• Earliest recording of violence as a sport?
• Why violence in games before?
• Notable examples (dating to prehistoric)?
• Why violence in games now?
• Notable examples (modenr games and sports)?
• Why and is violence a pleasure?
• Why is violence prominant in games?
• Is there a passive pattern?
• Conclusion and future?

I believe that by answering these questions, I shall develop a comprehensive but concise journey documenting violence in games through the form of a visually rich timeline.

      Already a few articles show some importance in this research. It is importnat to note, that highlighting violence in games is not the single goal of this research, rather, the goal is to also understanding the reasoning behind violence in games then and now. Artciles found as of yet, may prove to be invaluable when answering the questions above.

9 INSANE SPORTS OF THE ANCIENT WORLD

http://www.totalprosports.com/2011/05/23/9-insane-sports-of-the-ancient-world/

BLOODSPORTS

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_sport

THE VIOLENT ORIGIN OF SPORT

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/basic-instincts/200812/the-violent-origin-sports

WHY DO PEOPLE RESORT TO VIOLENCE?

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/stop-the-cycle/201112/why-do-people-resort-violence

These articles, along with many others, will be revisited and referenced to draw conclusions for this project. However I will not research alone. Both I and Andrew Shuffleton will work in co-operation to reach the target. Have at look at his blog post below.

NEXT POST: VIOLENCE IN GAMES: TIMELINE IDEAS

ANDREW SHUFFLETONS POST: VIOLENCE IN GAMES

VIOLENCE IN GAMES: BONUS ROUND DEBATE

          Gametrailers.com's most recent episode of Bonus Round focused on the controversial topic revolving around violence in video games, and the social stigma attached to them when compared to the recent spike in gun crime and violence. It's a controversial social debate that has been around for many years, with many studies to support both sides. A have a strong opinion myself, but the reason I mention this link relates to my recent assignment - to thoroughly research and document that lifespan of violence in 'Games' through a visually rich timeline.

             

Bonus Round

  
     To me, this video is incredibly insightful (along with others) when considering the ramifications and reasoning's for violence in games as a whole. An important goal for me, is to not just research and document the way violence in games has changed, but to also recognised the pattern persistent throughout its lifespan (if there is one). Through doing this, I could develop an concise understanding of violence in games, from the real bloodshed in gladiator battles thousands of years ago, to the artificial bloodshed in video games today.

NEXT POST: COMING SOON!

ART DECO ESSAY (FINAL DRAFT)

         It’s a visually rich palette. It’s a modern statement. It’s mathematical and elegant. It’s an elitist movement, ripe with cultural influence. It’s Art Deco. Since it originated in 1900, Art Deco has shrouded the world with a culturally and technologically influenced art style. It became a symbol - It became an era. Manifesting from a sudden surge of technological progression, Art Deco embraced a generation through a plethora of art forms in “design and the decorative arts” (Carolyn Mcdowall, www.youtube.com, What is Art Deco, 2010) – architecture, interior design, furniture, decoration and even transport. With a huge thanks to an ensemble of key influential organisations, exhibitions and most importantly, designers - such as Hector Guimard, Eugene Grasset and Raoul Lachenal - Art Deco was not just propelled into the elite society for a temporary phase, it became an artistic revolution – a cultural icon of the 20^th century. Modern society recognises it, identifies with it and even to this day, exhibits its influence unknowingly. However, its journey was not short or straight – it rose, fell, reached its apex and eventually stamped its mark on arts history, on society’s history. And through recent years of disinterest and neglect, its rhythm has started to pulsate yet again - Art Deco “is enjoying a substantial revival of interest” (Eva Weber, E. W. (2003) Art Deco.  JG Press.) 

THE HISTORY AND JOURNEY OF ART DECO

    Holding an exaggerated “mirror” (Eva Weber, E. W. (2003) Art Deco. JG Press) to its times, Art Deco represented the cultural progression Paris witnessed in the late 19^th and early 20^th century. Technology had begun its worldwide journey through surges of interest and a loop of technological evolution. However, it didn’t just “become”, it was an influenced manifestation and departure from other movements - Art Nouveau, Modernism and Cubism. Carolyn Mcdowall believes “It borrowed from virtually all the design stars of the past in order to fashion the future” (www.youtube.com, What is Art Deco, 2010). In other words, it was a retrospective study of the past that gave its response with modern influence in order to lead the way - and it did.  Its aims focused on “simplifying form, streamlining it, and fitting it to suit function” (www.youtube.com, 2010) as Carolyn Mcdowall believes. Take the two examples to the right – the 1930’s decorative, geometrical staircase with iron bars and oak wreathed handrails, as well as the 21^st century clinical, mathematical and elegant staircase – you can see this design philosophy flowing within these two interior staircases. They are simple, they are streamlined - they are functional. But declared quondam, Art Deco resonated within a cluster of art forms within the decorative arts. Such examples are the colourfully bold stained glass window salvaged from old “residential homes from England” (www.stainedinglass.co.uk, 2004) or the iconic 1933 Chicago World's Fair poster, that summarised Art Deco on all parts and even the glorifying female “Flapper” fashion that revolutionised the independence of woman. This variety of examples grounds Art Deco’s embrace as a fact of life, not just an artistic theory – it defined a generation.

     Years passed, Art Deco hit its stride, its influence was felt and its apex finally arrived. Its penultimate stop - central between two world wars - and thus, its eventual wane in popularity. Why? The Great Depression. The war was less a physical, more an economic disaster, especially in France, with ArtHistory.net stating that “it did have to rebuild its economy after the Great Depression of 1929” (www.arthistory.net, 2009). Money was scarce, resultant from the financial redirection for arms and military defence. The result?  Industrialisation – everything was at the bare minimum, with no room for extravagant, elitist, biased design. Art Deco began to lose its cultural popularity, leaving in its wake a permanent shadow of its former self – cars, transport and architecture. Its most famous examples being the UK’s Midlands Hotel in Morecombe and the Parade of Progress transit van – projections of Art Deco’s artistic style (both seen above).

          Art Deco’s influential journey, from its rise to its fall, wouldn’t have been possible but for those who drove it, developed it and solidified it – its key Designers, Hector Guimard, Eugene Grasset and Raoul Lachenal, or to abbreviate it, the Decorative Artists Society

ART DECO’S KEY DESIGNERS

          What is the Decorative Artists Society? What did it do for Art Deco? Who were those involved? What was their influence on the movement? These are the questions that must be answered to appreciate Art Deco’s journey from an influenced idea to a movement that influenced the future.

    ArtHistory.net declares that the “founder of the Decorative Artists Society” was “Hector Guimard” (www.arthistory.net, 2009) along with other key influential designers. With the goal to demonstrate internationally, the evolution of French decorative arts, the Decorative Arts Society followed Art Nouveau and moulded Art Deco as an extension of its ornate heritage – a influenced predecessor – a homage with its own statement. Practicing with this goal and influence at its core, three early members used the Decorative Arts Society as a catalyst for creative expression - Hector Guimard, Eugene Grasset and Raoul Lachenal. However, their intrinsic talent existed long before this milestone in Art Deco’s journey – they were each individual, passionate, artistically craving and independent designers with their own influences and rich portfolios.

       Starting with the most renowned founder of the Decorative Artists Society, Hector Guimard, born in 1867, “was an important French architect, interior designer and designer of Art nouveau objects.” (www.hector-guimard.com, 2007) Influenced heavily by the Belgian designer and architect Victor Horta, Guimard’s most famous work was Paris’ Art Nouveau metro entrances, with their artistic legacy surviving to this present day – 86 of them to be exact. Completing main bodies of personal work, Guimard took it upon himself to accept various commissions for projects, eventually becoming the pin-up for Art Nouveau - and rightfully so, with HectorGuimard.com stating he was “regarded as the leading exponent of the Art nouveau style, which is often called the "Style Guimard" in France.” (www.hector-guimard.com, 2007). This was a feat by all means; he became an icon and astoundingly, an influence to his influences. His artistic legacy was an eventuality of passion and attention to detail. “No detail was unimportant to him” (www.hector-guimard.com, 2007) – his work with iron, steel and colour in architecture left an influential ripple that confidently placed the foundation of Art Deco. But he was not alone.

     Eugene Grasset was a man of many artistic trades – “carpet patterns, decorative iron, jewellery, calendars, postage stamps, and much more.” (www.eugene-grasset.com, 2007). Born May 25^th, 1841, in a French speaking Switzerland city named “Lausanne”, Grasset started his journey studying architecture at a school in Zurich. Although not a conclusive success, he travelled the world, ravishing and soaking up the variety of cultures surrounding him. Egyptian, Aztec and Parisian are just a few to name and through it, eventually came home from his sophisticated venture, “active in all areas of applied art, including furniture design, book illustrations, and posters.” (www.eugene-grasset.com, 2007). His famous versatile portfolio of work included the façade of the Hôtel de Dumas in Paris, mosaics in Saint Etienne in Braire and stained glass windows in the cathedral at Orléans. Although not the cultural icon Guimard was, the “versatility and the trends in his works” were solely responsible for his comparisons to reformers such as Walter Crane. In that fact, he became an invaluable tool to the Decorative Artists Society - a bible of cultural knowledge, leaving only one more designer to complete the comprehensive trio - Raoul Lachenal.

     Working “in his father's studio until 1911, when he established a new workshop at Boulogne-sur-Seine.” (www.jasonjacques.com, 2011), Raoul Lachenal focused on the art of ceramics. With a heavy exertion of influence from his father, Edmond Lachenal, organically formed influences beamed through his glazed ceramic work. However, his work still retained a personal character - a personal expression. After developing his accomplished portfolio, he finally exhibited his extravagant stoneware at the Paris salons in 1904.  With a “positive reception” to such work as the Lotus Charger and Curvy Vines, he took that as a successful milestone and began to develop upon it. He “adopted an additional decorative mode: incising geometrical designs on stoneware and filling the sections with vividly contrasting slips.” - Key design aspects that eventually defined the movement, Art Deco. Whilst he was not a great versatile, influential pioneer like Grasset or Guimard, Lachenal had developed a precise talent for decoration, and brought his geometric character to the Decorative Arts Society.

          As a collective, all three designers brought their palette of varied knowledge and experience to the table to develop a unification of styles, influences and ideas. The result? An artistic society which demonstrated the evolution of French decorative arts. However, although each designer brought their talent to push Art Deco to its apex between the wars, The Great War brought along with it an industrialised world to facilitate The Great Depression – a point in history that tortured the wealthy art style of Art Deco. Along with the biased, elitist movement, the wealthy shapes and the vibrant colours, Art Deco and its facilitator, the Decorative Arts Society, waned. Regardless, by this point, Art Deco had already left its stamp of cultural and artistic history – it had an image, an atmosphere, even a way of life.

     However, years passed before Art Deco reached its apex. It was only until the “Exposition Universelle” of 1900 that promoted Paris’s achievements of the past century that Art Deco “really” started to naturally manifest as its own independent movement. It was at this retrospective that the “Decorative Artists Society was founded following the Universal Exposition of 1900” (www.arthistory.net, 2005). This was to become the most crucial step of Art Deco’s journey as its early members were influential designers - Hector Guimard, Eugene Grasset and Raoul Lachenal. Coincidentally, these designers just happened to practice Art Deco’s main influences – Art Nouveau, Cubism and Modernism. These are the individuals that eventually set the foundations, built upon the foundations and set the standard Art Deco is internationally identified by today. Not years later, in 1925, did the “Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes” take place, where John M. Cunningham states “the style was first exhibited” (www.britannica.com, 2012). Before this, it was a developing style, attempting to find its feet and keep its footing as the style “Style Modern” (www.britannica.com, 2012). It was at this famed exhibition, that the term “Art Deco” was coined – which, as surprising as it is, was an abbreviation of the exhibitions name which propelled it into the cultural spotlight.

THE CULTURAL IDENTITY OF ART DECO

        “Hollywood is Art Deco, Art Deco is Hollywood” (www.youtube.com, 2011) – a single quote from Dr Susan Currell, an expert in American Studies, which summarises Art Deco as a whole. It’s “all about glamour”, historian Carolyn Mcdowall confidently states. The fact is, the general public didn’t see Art Deco’s influences in homes, rather, they were exposed to it through television and cinema. In fact, Hollywood owes its success to Art Deco, as does Art Deco owe part of its international success to Hollywood. France had heard of its name and seen its design, but it was only after this overexposure to the glamorous new-age statement that it started to flood culture with its artistic integrity – its idolised image. British designers such as Clarice Cliff introduced Art Deco to the mass market in the 1920, but it was Hollywood’s Art Director Frederick Gibbons that marketed the movement consciously to give Hollywood the glamorous, modern stereotype the 1920’s to 1940’s film industry has today. It “Represents novelty” and was “what people looked for” for in entertainment. Films like “Sabrina” (1954) had Art Deco influences - the buildings, the fashions, the female independence, the interior design and the extravagant furniture. “Our Dancing Daughters” (1928), a classic noire film, clearly showed the fashionable “Flapper” style women were often pictured in – it was independence, beauty and glamour. However, it was not the sum of its parts that conjured Art Deco’s representation to the public, it was the parts themselves.

“The characteristic features of these pavilions included zigzag architectural setbacks, the use of unusual materials, the incorporation of decorative wall paintings and ornate metal and glass worked in geometric and floral patterns. Exquisite metal work by Edgar Brandt and decorative glass by Lalique were to be found.” (Eva Weber, E. W. (2003) Art Deco.  JG Press.)

     By observing architecture such as the Chrysler Building, The Golden Gate Bridge and the Morecombe Hotel, you can see how the quote retains validity. Famous for its mathematical and elegant geometric shapes, Art Deco became heavily influenced over the early 20th century. In the UK you have the Midlands Hotel in Morecombe, inspired by the geometrical focus Art Deco adopts. In the US you have the Chrylser Building which was inspired by the trademark Sunburst Motif, and the Golden Gate Bridge which focuses on mathematical shapes to facilitate function. Art Deco’s identity even finds itself within the interiors of cinema theatres - cinemas such as the Royal Palace Theatre.

          It was this consolidation of attributes that composed the general cultural image Hollywood utilised and in turn, the image the world adopted. However, these parts originated from the designers that implemented them into the mix – designers who were influenced both individually and as a collective society.

THE INSPIRATIONS OF ART DECO

          The Art of Babylon. Ancient Egypt. Aztec Mexico. Africa. A culmination of historical styles that spawned the common household image of Art Deco and, without realising it, modern society is exposed to its massive influence day by day. Now, look back at the quote from Carolyn Mcdowall - “It borrowed from virtually all the design stars of the past in order to fashion the future” (www.youtube.com, 2010). Now look at the aforementioned cultures – these are the design stars so vaguely mentioned in Mcdowall’s commentary and with them, Art Deco created a collage of these artistic inspirations to create a whole new vision of the present, and an ambition of the future. But there was one design style which prompted its cloud nine ambition - Art Nouveau, its forerunner movement.

      Many find it hard to differentiate between these two. Simply because Art Deco is the spiritual younger brother of Art Nouveau and in turn, share many similar ideologies and visual qualities. So what is Art Nouveau? It’s “Fluidness, curvy, intricate, decorative, flowery.” (www.youtube.com, 2011) says Spencer Thompson. There were a lot of natural elements incorporated into Art Nouveau pieces – it was a decorative statement - a protest against the mass producing, industrial revolution. In this movement ‘decorative’ is the operative adjective. Art Deco had similar aims and visual aspects – decoration through elegance, shapes and imagery. However, the difference here is that Art Nouveau was a reaction. Art Deco was an observation and glorification, borrowing mainly from its design hero Art Nouveau, twisting it with its own character for a literal but exaggerated representation of modern society. But there was one more design style culprit that created the shadow that Art Deco could light – Avant Garde.

    Vam.co.uk states that Avant Garde was “The new visual language, colour and iconography” (www.vam.co.uk, 2003). Its geometric abstract and visually fragmented vocabulary placed the foundation for Art Deco to colour. As a design style that was also a combination of forerunner styles, Avant Garde was a statement of dynamic modernism. It was this statement and this ideology alone that inspired the young Art Deco. Think of Avant Garde as the dotted lines that Art Deco could connect, followed by colouring in between those influenced lines with Nouveau’s colourful, decorative palette – the result is Art Deco, a movement which took from the past, to create the new.

       So, Art Deco was a natural evolution of various styles and cultures. It progressed with a little artistic and social assistance to define a generation. It then witnessed another milestone – The Great Depression - forcing Art Deco into hiding. But in this wane, it left Art Nouveau’s and Avant Garde’s influential shadows to stand its own spotlight. It placed the stamp at the end of its story, leaving behind its legacy - a legacy that influenced others. Now, in the present day, Art Deco has come full circle. It “is enjoying a substantial revival of interest” (Eva Weber, E. W. (2003) Art Deco.  JG Press.)

ART DECO TODAY

       Mass production in the mid-20^th century forced Art Deco into the industrial revolution’s aftermath, to be left in the dark with only threads of light to highlight its parts. Now, in the 21^st century, its legacy remains as a whole, but its book seemingly remains closed, waiting for a new chapter. These threads of light remain within the various examples of lasting architecture, fashion and furniture. However, there are still enthusiasts out there that believe Art Deco’s heritage and legacy are as important now, as they were in the early 20^th century. Art Deco Society of Boston is one of such governments. The society’s goal “is the preservation of our Art Deco and Modern architectural heritage.” (www.bostonartdeco.com, 2009). And with Art Deco’s remnants aging every day, the society aims to preserve key locations and works that symbolise its legacy. But even within this desperate grasp on Art Deco’s legacy, it still makes itself known around the world. The Midlands Hotel and the Chrysler Building are examples already discussed, but Art Deco hides within the cracks today’s influences forget to polish over with its ignorance. It was said that Art Deco featured heavily in theatres, this has not changed. The Cineworld Cinema is the most popular cinema in the UK. The photo to the right, taken in Didsbury, is one of the many identical screens around the in the UK. Look closely and instantly seen, is the sunburst motif created by the use of light and shadow - in this case it is actually used to present light rather than to represent an ideology or symbol like the Chrysler Building succeeded in doing, with its sunburst peak as if to say "Look at this, look at what our country has accomplished". This Cineworld in Didsbury, like many others around the country, simply used it for effect - understandable considering its magnificent effect. 

CONCLUSION

          Art Deco started as a conceptual vision, inspired by what came before it, adopting various aspects of various ideologies, directions and historical designs. It took its journey, blossoming with a little help from exhibitions, influential designers, ambitious societies and pop culture. In the end, it reached its apex during the wars, lost its relevant energy, and waned through time and events. However, in its partial demise, remained legacy – a legacy that influenced the future, leaving a lasting impression to artistically cherish. Replacing, were new interpretations of modern society and new visions of the future - movements such as Futurism and Memphis, which were more relatable. However, without Art Nouveau, Avant Garde, Cubism and Modernism, today’s predecessor movements wouldn’t exist, nailing Art Deco’s legacy to our history. Satisfying and approving its goal – to borrow “from virtually all the design stars of the past in order to fashion the future” (www.youtube.com, What is Art Deco?, 2010). This remained core to the movement Art Deco, proving that although flawed in its bias towards the elite, Art Deco was a milestone in the arts.  

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RAOUL LACHENAL (KEY DESIGNER)

         Again, like Grassett, Raoul Lachenal was no pioneer in any of his artistic crafts, however, his influences and talent in decoration ended up becoming an iconic staple of the Art Deco Movement. The research I carried out on him follows;

CURVY LINES - LOTUS CHARGER

RAOUL LACHENAL - LOTUS CHARGER

• Born in 1885
• Worked in his father's studio until 1911.
• Established a new workshop at Boulogne-sur-Seine.
• Focused on the art of ceramics - organically formed influences.
• Exhibited his extravagant stoneware at the Paris salons in 1904.
• He Adopted geometrical designs on stoneware and filling sections with contrasting slips.
• Developed a precise talent for decoration.
• Helped found the Decorative Arts Society.

      That concludes the majority of the research for the Art Deco essay that I carried out. From this research, I could develop an essay that discussed its history, its designers, its journey, its influences, its identity and finally, its modern existence. All that remained was to cut this first draft down and polish it up.

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