Design

Design within the confines of art history is a creative activity or object, most frequently with an industrial or commercial undertone. Objects made under the heading of design are often a reflection of social, political, scientific, and environmental causes. Design has been used as a means to solve problems, as a fundamental objective behind the medium is to create new possibilities or to improve a process. These objects typically are immersive, including an element of interaction between the user and the material itself. At the crux of it all, creators have turned to design as a means to improve the quality of life for humankind. Design is also multidisciplinarity to its core and has been nourished by the arts for centuries.

Design has evidently evolved since its conception. Highly influenced by societal issues and politics, as well as parallel art movements, design objects reflect the period from which they were made. Although similar, it is important to distinguish the difference between design and Decorative Arts, a 19th-century movement known for the creation of art objects. In the century that followed, art and design were undeniably affected by global turmoil and politics, impacting artists universally, resulting in the birth of an array of art movements.

The 20th-century was a period of tremendous artistic upheaval. Design, art, performance, and theater were all tremendously impacted by the two world wars and the Cold War. On top of this, society was rapidly evolving, with rising social and political movements, such as voting rights and women's suffrage. As the world continued to change and progress, so did the world of art. Design belonged to many, if not all, of the major art movements of the 20th-century; including, Art Nouveau, Modernism, Surrealism, Art Deco, Bauhaus, and Postmodernism.

Design continued to evolve into the 21st century, paving the way for contemporary design. There are various misconceptions when it comes to contemporary design. Typically, confusion comes into place when the lines are blurred between the terms “design"" and “style."" Many use these words interchangeably, but it is important to note the distinguishing factors. Style is part of the design process. Once you have designed the functionality of the piece you are part of the way to the final design. Beyond this, creators will often ponder the definition of design in the 21st century. Designers and artists have drawn upon various 20th-century movements, such as Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Minimalism, and even, Holywood Regenycy.

Some people oppose the idea that design objects can be considered works of art. However, the borders are porous as some of them emphasize artistic features and are singular and unique. Like artists, designers imagine their pieces as personal creations or are released in limited quantities. Their works are often a means to express their visions of the world. It is important to note that collaborations between artists and designers reinforce the links between these two universes, animated by the same search for beauty. Discover a carefully chosen selection of design objects that span an array of movements, from the past to the present!

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Design

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Melt Side Table

Melt Console Table

Gediz Side Table

Kura Mirror | Amethyst

Kura Mirror | Onyx

Halys Coffee Table | Gold

Aras Mirror | Amethyst

Icare - plate 8 of jazz, 1947

Miroir

Gentlemen Diamond Table Cognac

À volonté

Coi Marble Rosso Levanto

Bowl

Disco

Born In The USA

Equilibrium Series Side Table

Cosmic

Flacon marron plat mini bulles

Loetz vase Franz Hofstotter Candia PG 6893 ca.

Hole in the sky #4

Chair Azad II

Forst Console natural brushed Carrara

Chair Zebu Black oak

Chair Zebu Smoky oak

Coffee Table Pera M smoky oak Calacatta Viola

Coffee Table Pera S smoky oak Calacatta Viola

Coi Travertine

Gruff Oak L

Jeune homme sévère

La nymphe

Majestic accent chair

GRUFF OAK M

Box Maxi M Nero Marquina

Loetz vase PG 7773 ca. 1899

Flacon "the colours of the sea"

Flacon novaro

Pair of vases Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstatte ca.

Canopée Kirkenes

Mirror of Pearl

Miami Dining table

Rio dining table

Aspen Dining table

Alterite

Makonde Sculpture

Makonde Lamp

Makonde 3 Lamp

Zanzibar Mirror Frame

Zanzibar Light Dining Table

Makonde Coffee Table

Makonde 3 Coffee Table

Magufuli Armchair

Flacon blanc bulles

Forst - Sideboard cognac grooved Carrara

Tagasode Lézard 1

Candlestick "Diana"

Frozen bubble

Chair Azad-III

Chair Azad-I

Cocoon vase

Moon

FORST Shelf M natural with Carrara

FORST Shelf S cognac with Nero Marquina

GRUFF Travertin S