Copyright M Live Michigan
MUSKEGON, MI - The Muskegon Museum of Art is showcasing a new exhibition of works from the Art Nouveau movement, including original Mucha posters, rare Amphora ceramics, elegant furniture of the era and more. “Art Nouveau: Age of Elegance” opened to the public on Oct. 2. Visitors can step back in time and discover how Art Nouveau influenced much of the culture, art and design of the time of the early 1900s. The style, meaning “new art” in French, was a reaction against mass-produced goods and industrial design, aiming instead to bring beauty, craftsmanship and artistic expression into everyday life. Inspired by nature, Art Nouveau is known for its flowing curves, floral and plant motifs, and elegant, decorative patterns. It appeared across a wide range of art forms, including architecture, furniture, posters, glass, ceramics and more, leaving a lasting impact on design around the world. The exhibition brings the Art Nouveau era to life with a collection of rare and decorative pieces from artists such as Alphonse Mucha, Louis Comfort Tiffany, Émile Gallé, Edgar Degas, Hector Guimard and John Singer Sargent. These works come from prestigious collections, including the Richard H. Driehaus Art Exhibition Lending Foundation, the Dr. Thomas and Jill Archambeau Collection, and the Baker Pisano Collection at the Muskegon Museum of Art. The Muskegon Museum of Art will also be hosting a series of Art Nouveau-related events, including a lecture on the Glasgow Girls (the women artists and designers of the Art Nouveau era) on Oct. 30, and curator flash tours on Dec. 18.
