Art Deco

This Art Deco: Commercializing the Avant-Garde exhibition chronicles the rise and fall of the Art Deco movement, beginning with the 1925 Paris Exhibition and extending through the late 1930s. It explores how Art Deco emerged as an international phenomenon, merging European avant-garde styles with commercial design before evolving into more nationalistic expressions in the years leading up to World War II. 

The exhibition’s visual identity is deeply rooted in the iconic Bifur typeface, designed by A.M. Cassandre—one of the most influential figures in Art Deco. Known for its avant-garde aesthetic, Bifur’s bold lines and vertical slats are woven into the exhibition’s design, appearing across various mediums. 

Custom walls featuring 1x6 slats cast dramatic shadows that echo these linear patterns, while metallic and flat-color vinyls highlight the sleek, machine-like precision that defined the era. Visual elements are drawn directly from Art Deco posters—hand-painted mural gradients, geometric shapes, dramatic perspective, and dynamic placement of the pull quotes—and create a sense of movement. The design reflects the bold, technological optimism of Art Deco but also pay homage to the avant-garde movements that laid its foundation. The result is an immersive environment that brings the global impact of Art Deco to life, celebrating both its artistic innovation and its cultural significance.