Kelsea Vance

I am the designer for this week and I’m doing tools & technology. I’m doing an infographic on the early industrial revolution.

Once trade between Japan and Europe became commonplace, Japanese aesthetics and objects came into fashion. Many artists began to imitate the flat colours and simplified depth in their work, artists such as: Van Gogh, Kilmt, Manet, etc.

The Japonism Movement began in 1854 and ended 1920, not to say that it’s influence ended, rather, the changes melded permanently into future works. Even today, the modern term ‘weaboo’ relates to those obsessed with contemporary Japanese culture and work. Ukiyo-e prints were done on wooden blocks and the term ‘Ukiyo-e’ means floating world, also known as the red light district. These paintings often depicted unusual perspectives and unseen settings. The bright patterns and intense colours leaked into European art and these flat compositions became essential to modernist painting. Katsushika Hokusai, artist behind many famous Ukiyo-e prints, most notably: The Great Wave off Kanagawa, has been considered the Father of modern western art. His asymmetrical compositions were a turning point in western art and his influence is unending.

The reason I’ve chosen to include multiple Klimt pieces is my personal admiration of his work. The beautiful versatility of his paintings and prints are stunning. For example, Blood of Fish exemplifies Klimt’s transition from a realist style to the impressionist art nouveau works that he is famous for and really convey the Japanese influence in his work.

https://www.theartstory.org/movement/japonism/artworks/

http://www.gustavklimt.net/blood-of-fish/

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/55236

The Victorian fashion era began and ended with Queen Victoria in 1837 – 1901. The clothing displayed class, wealth, and beauty. The era had many phases and skirts and accessories evolved quickly. Signature accessories such as the parasol and fan are iconic to the period.

White wedding dresses were not the norm until Queen Victoria in 1840. White symbolized innocence and status and was quickly adopted as the standard. Pure white clothing was near impossible to come by as washing machines weren’t standard, they represented high class. Her veil was 12ft long and was buried with her. Her train required 12 bridesmaids to carry it as it was 18ft long.

The Victorian era introduced the notion of a woman’s place being in the home. Victorian fashion had no utilitarian purpose, rather it was an expression of status. Once the exaggerated shoulders fell out of fashion, a corset was warn to achieve a similar effect. The ‘hourglass figure’ arrived in the 19th century and never quite left. Victorian corsets differed from earlier renditions as the hips flared out beyond the waist rather than ending at the hips. Spiralled steel kept the shape of the corset and curved with the figure.

The bustle was introduced in the late 1860s and added mobility to fashion. Since the back was fuller, it allowed more mobility in the front and sides. The Victorian fashion movement has impacted modern day drag and art today. It’s likeness it featured in many historical pieces and films as the distinctness of the clothing immediately sets the tone.

As time went on, skirts were made shorter as women became more involved in activities outside of the home. The 1860s brought crinolines into fashion.