Solarpunk & Art Nouveau

A few years ago while browsing the website Tumblr, I discovered a post by user 'missolivialouise' which had a great idea. She had written about the idea for a new literary genre of science fiction. She called it "solarpunk".

What is 'Solarpunk'?

Solarpunk is a relatively new science fiction & art genre that focuses on the environment, sustainability, advanced technology, renewable energy and how societies in the future will adapt to these things. Solarpunk aims to be inclusive of others, diverse and promotes a world and life that is environmentally sustainable (and achievable).

Solarpunk follows in the footsteps of 'Steampunk', 'Cyberpunk' and other sci-fi literary/artistic categories.

What does this have to do with Art Nouveau?

In her original post in 2014 missolivialouise suggested the aesthetics for the newly created genre could be based in Art Nouveau/Edwardian styles. This is a fantastic idea as there is a lot of natural elements and organic themes in Art Nouveau. To see a movement from the 1890's-1900's reinvented with futuristic ideals and technologies, with an emphasis on nature would be amazing. The idea of solarpunk has captured the imagination of many people on Tumblr and beyond. There have been a few publications made (one example here) and many artworks showing what a "Solarpunk" future would look like.

Missolivialouise posted art she created to show what fashion might look like in a future like this:

In her post she said,
"Can you imagine how pretty it would be to have stained glass windows everywhere that are actually solar panels? The tech is already headed in that direction!  Or how about wide-brim hats, or parasols that are topped with discreet solar panel tech incorporated into the design, with ports you can stick your phone charger in to?"

...."A lot of people seem to share a vision of futuristic tech and architecture that looks a lot like an ipod – smooth and geometrical and white. Which imo is a little boring and sterile, which is why I picked out an Art Nouveau aesthetic for this."

I would agree that having a style like Art Nouveau, or Edwardian or even Victorian would be cool to be reinvented in a new way.

As someone who is very fond of (and supports) environmentalism, the creation of a genre like solarpunk struck me in a very sincere way. As of right now the world is going through many, many changes, and a lot of them are very negative for the environment. Changing the course will require a cultural shift and a new way of looking at things. People will ultimately have to change the way they think and live. There is no better time for a genre like solarpunk to pop up than now.

I'd like to imagine the future (and Solarpunk) with people living in beautiful, sustainable houses, growing their own food, using renewable energy and living a life that has a small footstep on the world.

When it comes to architecture and art nouveau, I have always had a personal fantasy to create a sculpted house (from cob, or other materials like adobe) and decorate it in the art nouveau style. I think this would fit into the idea of Solarpunk (and would be easy to customize). Indeed, someone has even tried to replicate art nouveau in sculpted concrete form for a house. And it looks great. Houses made of earthen materials would also be very customizable. You could basically 'sculpt' your own house with enough knowledge.

Fashion would also be a great topic to think about. In 2016 I made a little drawing of what I thought a Solarpunk dress/outfit would look like. Here's my concept idea:

and if you follow the solarpunk hashtag on tumblr, you will see many other concept designs, discussions, artworks and writings about Solarpunk.

I'm all on board for Art Nouveau to be the main style for Solarpunk. I hope others will join the online discussion and make Solarpunk a reality for everyone.

Credits: First three drawings made by missolivialouise. Used with permission.

Varun Bahl: When Art Nouveau meets India

Not too long ago I came across an article on the internet about an Indian fashion designer named Varun Bahl. Bahl had created an Indian fashion collection in 2017 inspired by Art Nouveau. The marriage of a European art movement with the silhouettes and styles of Indian fashion resulted in a beautiful and stunning collection. If you'd like to see the clothing, which debuted at India Couture Week 2017, please watch this video on youtube :)

Here's a news article regarding the designer's inspiration (which happened to be Mucha's paintings), and another one too. Overall a fantastic idea.

Jane Atché

I'd like to introduce readers to a lovely female art nouveau artist named Jane Atché. She was a French poster artist whose style sometimes resembled Alphonse Mucha's. According to biographies of her life, at one time she even mentored under Mucha.

"Job" lithograph before lettering, circa 1896

I first came across this artist at a local museum exhibition on art nouveau. Imagine my surprise to see a female artist among the greats of art nouveau paintings and lithographs! For many years I had thought there weren't many art nouveau women artists at all (mainly because they were never mentioned in the books I read or pictures I saw) but now I know they did in fact exist. And they were just as talented as the male artists of the day.

Jane Atché was born in Toulouse, France around 1872. She excelled in art and at the age of 24 debuted her poster for JOB cigarette papers at the Cirque de Reims (I think she may have been the only woman to create advertisements for JOB at the time as well). Among the other artists in the exhibition were Mucha and Toulouse-Lautrec. From that point on she would exhibit her own engravings, lithographs and paintings at various galleries.

Another version of the JOB lithograph.

In the early 1900's she worked in the field of publishing. She contributed to a journal for little girls called "La Poupée Modèle". Atché's illustrations also wound up on postcards, sheet music and advertisements as well.

"Portrait de femme symboliste"

Cover illustration for Jugend magazine

She signed her paintings by combining the letters "J" and "A" in her name which made for a unique signature.

"Mistletoe and Holly" (above), decorative panels, 1899. Source: Gallica.

Atché mainly focused on producing images with women as the focal point. You can see the influence of Mucha in her works as the lines are often very delicate and yet, defining and strong.

Self-portrait with hat, 1909.

Above three images from this literary collection.

sheet music, found from pinterest.

sheet music illustration

Most of the information I found was through an online translation of this article in French, which really covers a lot! (and if there are any errors in this info - it is because I do not know French, sadly)

Atché passed away in 1937 in Paris, France, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful and feminine artworks which are now being rediscovered. There are still local museums that carry her work in France and a quick online search will uncover which ones do. :) Overall I am so happy that Atché pursued art and made a successful career back then. In general, we do not hear about women artists in Art Nouveau. It is refreshing and amazing when we do.