Artist Statement

When thinking about this art deco project, I canvassed for a building that is modern and simplistic. I selected the Seagram Building, a work of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe - minimalistic, clean, and straightforward. Upon imagining the transformation of the Seagram Building, I wanted to see how a sleek, modernist structure could take on the richness of 1920s art deco. As I sketched, I applied fundamental principles and elements of art deco, including geometric shapes, richness in layers, decor and ornaments. Comparing the actual Seagram building with my art deco design, the transformation is obvious: I replaced the rectangular prism with multi-geometric shapes and layers, each piece carrying a unique sense of grandeur. Next, I replaced the rigid bold lines with accentuated corners, I extended the base and narrowed the top. I altered its original uniformity by infusing the facade with detailed accents. While the original building has a monolithic form, its art deco version features an adorned verticality and embellished upward rhythm. Precision, symmetry, and minimalistic modernism of the original building is reimagined into a structure of new kind of depth, character, cultural vibration and energy. 

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Artesia is a student at High Schoo of Art and Design. Her teacher is Ms. Singh.