Ep. 5: Interwar Modernism

Silent Generation

The interwar period is defined as being from 1918 to 1939 while the modernist period is loosely defined as being from the early 1900s to 1940s. What were architecture, design, and art like during the time period where the two overlapped? Within this week’s episode Joseph and Nathan pay particular attention to the Streamline Moderne, Bauhaus, Deutscher Werkbund, and International styles of architecture and design. Other ideas explored include the aesthetics of the future, the color chrome, Jean-Michel Frank’s interior design, the Age of Anxiety, glass blocks, antiquing, and the potential demolition of the Century & Consumers buildings.

Links:

Interwar Modernism Pinterest board
Thorne miniature rooms’ California Hallway
Gun that shoots frozen tears
The original Chicago Federal Building

Art:

Narcissa Niblack Thorne. California Hallway c.1940. The Art Institute of Chicago.
(CC0)

Recorded on 12/10/2023