Question

Which statement is TRUE about both of these designs?

-They were both created by the same designer

-The table on the left is influenced by Surrealism while the units on the right are influenced by the modularity of De Stijl


-The table on the left is influenced by the modularity of De Stijl while the units on the right are influenced by Surrealism

-They were both created in Europe

Answer 1

The true statement about the two designs is that one is influenced by Surrealism and the other by the modularity of De Stijl. Surrealism draws on dream-like, unconscious influences while De Stijl focuses on abstraction, primary colors, and fundamental geometric forms.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that both designs mentioned were influenced by different artistic movements is the true one. The table on the left is influenced by Surrealism with its organic lines suggesting a dream-like design, which often draws from the unconscious as seen in works inspired by psychoanalytic theories like those of Sigmund Freud. On the other hand, the units on the right showcase the modularity of De Stijl, an artistic movement emphasizing abstraction and simplicity, which often includes a reduction to fundamental form and color.

Moreover, two specific examples were given: the Art Nouveau chair by Henry van de Velde and the 'Ant Chair' made of tubular steel and wood veneer, reflecting a more modern design concept. The Art Nouveau style is characterized by organic, stylized lines and curvilinear forms, while the design of the 'Ant Chair' shows a shift towards functionalism and modern materials.

De Stijl, also known as neoplasticism, is a Dutch artistic movement founded in 1917 in Amsterdam. The movement favors vertical and horizontal lines and primary colors, and is clearly reflected in the modularity seen in De Stijl influenced designs. On the other hand, Surrealism is an art movement that began in the early 1920s, known for its visual artworks and writings and the juxtaposition of unnerving, illogical scenes created with photographic precision and rich detail.

Answer 2

While the 'Ant Chair' and 'Tulip Chair' represent modern design principles, they do not directly relate to Surrealism or De Stijl. Instead, these chairs illustrate the evolution of design from organic Art Nouveau forms to the sleek, minimalistic features of mid-century modern designs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Art Nouveau style is exemplified by the chair designed by Henry van de Velde in 1895, which showcases organic, stylized lines and a curvilinear form similar to that of Tiffany glass. On the other hand, the 'Ant Chair' created in 1952 by Arne Jacobsen illustrates a modern design, with its functional form, tubular steel legs, and laminated wood veneer shaped like an ant. These two pieces do not point to either De Stijl or Surrealism but to different artistic movements that emphasize organic forms and modernism.

Furthermore, Eero Saarinen's 'Tulip Chair' is iconic for its space age design, utilizing curved lines and artificial materials to simplify form. Comparatively, a staircase made in the Shaker style, with an organic spiral taking on the 'golden ratio', reflects a different aesthetic that also emphasizes simplicity and functionality. It's important to note that while Surrealism drew on Freudian theory, De Stijl looked more towards minimalist and abstract expressions away from psychological symbolism.

In the context of design, the 'Ant Chair' and the 'Tulip Chair' are more emblematic of Scandinavian modernism and mid-century modern design, respectively, rather than Surrealism or De Stijl.