Graphic Design: Is it Art, or Is it Not?

Graphic illustrators near the end of the 19th century were using all the important elements of design, shape and pattern. The man who influenced how graphic designers see a page, and how they use elements of design, died at the young age of 26 years. Artists continue to attempt to copy his highly individualistic interpretation of art nouveau.

Oscar Wilde was considered one of the most controversial, important literary figures of his time, who believed art was unto itself, who championed the idea of having a myriad of artistic styles, and didn't think art should ever be judged based on ethical or moral concerns. Wilde chose this influential young artist to illustrate a certain story which is both exotic and perverse. The blossoming artist utilized dark eroticism, grand lines, arrangements and interesting imagery to depict the storyline.

His work features dramatic inter-relationships of black and white. He employs huge planes and borders or alternatively darkness that contrasts with fragile patterns that play on a white surface. In a style all his own, the artist presents large, flowing curves which seem to move upon an asymmetrical page. Although the actual characters found in his art are very simple outlines, their clothes or props are usually very detailed. This communication between these complex elements and the more simple forms are the foundation for the effectiveness of his works.

A renewed respect for medieval and early Renaissance decoration and design combined with a fascination with imports from Japan became a rich source of inspiration to many late 19th century designers. Many artists in both the United States and Europe have imitated the work of this young illustrator, and he became quite well-known as a direct result of his illustrations appearing in quite a few famous publications. Many of his pieces have been reproduced as prints and posters to be hung on the wall.

Poster art developed slowly from a form of commercial advertising to its own artistic genre during the late 19th century. Posters were produced in color, unlike the black and white books of the time. The poster design leader concentrated on a single, big, brightly colored, image that caught the viewers' eyes. Wording for the product or event was kept to a bare minimum. Recognizing the way to catch somebody's attention was to simplify, he continued to keep his shapes both flat and simple, while his colors were powerful. Eventually, lines themselves took on a somewhat broken and hesitant appearance that was something akin to Impressionist paintings of the day. That's the reason his work is still considered as the forerunner of the classic art nouveau designer poster.

Other illustrators furthered their work, adding black outlines and spaces enclosed by flowing contours that characterize the proper art nouveau poster. His work is marked by youthful, willowy girls wearing loose fitting clothes and with long flowing hair that floats out into fantastic forms. An additional renowned art nouveau poster artist's creations were invariably characterized by sleek, thin proportions which included a full-body rendering of a woman. There are a variety of sources these complicated and intricate patterns draw from, including Hebrew lettering as well as fold art, Moorish and Arab decoration, Japanese wood cuts, Byzantine mosaics, and Celtic motifs.

There are countless books which reproduce these artworks from the late 1800s, and detail more about how each artist approached their work. You will also find there are dealers who will specialize in the sale of 19th, and early 20th century poster art. These can generally be found by attending larger antique shows. You should be aware that authentic originals in terrific condition go for hundreds and even thousands of dollars.

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