Melbourne in a flap
The
National Gallery of Victoria’s Winter Masterpieces series
has proved a winner with the Victorian public. The NGV is hoping
to repeat that success this year with the fifth exhibition in
the series, Art Deco 1910-1939.
Art Deco is the name given to the 20th century style
that came to worldwide prominence in the inter-war years and left
its mark on nearly every field of creative endeavour, from fine
and decorative arts, architecture and interior design, to fashion
and textiles, film and photography.
Although its stylistic origins preceded the First
World War, Art Deco burst onto the world stage at the 1925 Paris
Exposition Internationale and quickly swept across the globe.
The influence of Art Deco was everywhere: it transformed
the skylines of cities from New York to Shanghai and shaped the
design of everything from glamorous evening wear to everyday plastic
radios.
Art Deco was the style of the flapper girl, the
streamlined luxury ocean liner and sports car, the Hollywood film
and the skyscraper. The style represented a move away from traditional
values and was typically characterised by clean, geometric and
elegant lines.
The NGV’s exhibition (organised by London’s
famed Victoria & Albert Museum) is described as most comprehensive
ever staged on Art Deco. It will showcase over 300 works across
all fields of Art Deco including painting, jewellery, fashion,
film, architecture, automotive, photography and furniture.
Within
Australia, Art Deco 1910–1939 will only be seen at the NGV.
NGV Director Dr Gerard Vaughan said the exhibition will highlight
the impact of Art Deco in every field of artistic and creative
endeavour.
“This exhibition explores Art Deco as a global
phenomenon which affected cities as far apart as Paris, New York,
Bombay, Shanghai and of course, Melbourne.”
“That Art Deco 1910–1939 is
coming to Melbourne is an indication of the NGV’s fine reputation
for staging and managing exhibitions of international significance,”
he said.
“Key
highlights of the show will include precious Deco gems from Cartier,
exquisite fashion by Chanel, a special section exploring Australian
Art Deco and a pristine vintage vehicle of the period will be
manoeuvered inside the NGV to be displayed as part of the exhibition.”
Another major highlight will be the display of
original architectural elements from the foyer of the Strand Palace
Hotel London, which the V&A rescued and restored especially
for the exhibition.
NGV Deputy Director Frances Lindsay said the exhibition
was a great coup for Melbourne. “This is an extremely important
exhibition which will enthral visitors and will appeal to people
of all ages. We are delighted to be working with the Victoria
& Albert Museum in London again and are proud to present this
outstanding celebration of art and design from around the world.”
David Edwards
