Chapter 11: Art Nouveau

Asian art revitalized graphic design in Europe and North America. Asians had adapted to woodblock print. Matthew Perry's navel expeditions to Japan opened trade to the West and closed the isolated policies Japan had for its people. Art Nouveau was an international decorative style that was very popular for two decades. The term art nouveau came from Samueal Bing's Salon de l'Art Nouveau, which became an international meeting place where young artists met each other. This new stlye embraced all areas of the arts, architecture, painting, furniture, etc. Art Nouveau was the bridge that led Victorian style into Modern style. Posters became a popular thing at this time, there was a close collaboration between visual artists and writers, and the lifting of the French law restricting freedom of press allowed posters to be posted almost anywhere; the streets became an art gallery for the nation. Jules Cheret introduced a whole new role model for women, his figures were called "Cherettes", they were neither prudes nor prostitutes but they were happy women who enjoyed life to the fullest, wore low-cut dresses, danced, drank wine, and smoked in public. Ethel Reed was the first American woman to achieve national prominence as a graphic designer and illustrator. I found it very interesting to learn about "Cherettes". I wonder what made Jules Cheret feel the need to change the view of women.

What was the Asian spell? (pg. 195)