Art Nouveau

In the Art Nouveau lecture we looked at how the movement is often viewed by some as the first self-conscious attempt to create a modern style, and is seen as the predecessor to a modern style. We also looked at how Art Nouveau permeated all areas of culture and how nature was a main influence in the movement, with butterflies, flowers, leaves, vines, peacocks and insects all being included in Art Nouveau pieces of work, and also the importance of the curved line. 
Some artists working within this style were Alhonse Mucha, Aubrey Beardsley and Joseph Satter - with the latter two artists demonstrating the Japanese influence on Art Nouveau. 'Mythical' looking women were often used as motifs in this style, with Art Nouveau posters featuring symmetry in the background but the foreground was unsymmetrical. 

Here is a piece of Art Nouveau design by Alphonse Mucha.

When looking at these artist's work I was reminded of work by a contemporary illustrator who I have liked for a while now, called Miss Led, and whose work mainly features colourful illustrations of women - one of the features of the Art Nouveau style, as well as this nature plays a prominent part in her illustrations and as seen in many contemporary design that is unfluenced by art Nouveau, a frame is often featured.  

Above: Miss Led illustration, the frame shows Art Nouveau style influence, as well as the colour scheme.