Glitz, glamour and Gatsby? Not quite. Here’s why the Art Deco movement is darker than you think

The Darker Side of Art Deco

Art Deco, the defining style of the interwar years, is often associated with glamour and luxury. However, its bold aesthetic is rooted in a complex and questionable mix of inspirations from ancient cultures.

The movement emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, leaving a lasting legacy in iconic landmarks like the Chrysler Building in New York, constructed in 1928. Art Deco is characterized by its use of chrome, geometric shapes, and ornate decorations, evoking images of opulent skyscrapers, grand cinemas, and extravagant parties, as depicted in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.

Art Deco was never a single unified style

Despite its glamorous appearance, the Art Deco movement is more complex and nuanced than initially meets the eye.

Author's summary: Art Deco's glamorous facade hides a complex history.

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HistoryExtra HistoryExtra — 2025-10-18

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