From the course: Graphic Design History: The Arts and Crafts Movement
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Gesamtkunstwerk: Total work of art
From the course: Graphic Design History: The Arts and Crafts Movement
Gesamtkunstwerk: Total work of art
- Gesamtkunstwerk sounds like a mouthful, and it is. But broken down, it translates from German to English as a total work of art. The Arts and Crafts Movements incorporated this idea as it evolved. The point of design as a trigger for social change would be more relevant if it applied to all aspects of life, from design of all items to a social structure. Unexpectedly, Gesamtkunstwerk began as an idea from a composer famous for robust operas with Brunhilde the Valkyrie, Richard Wagner. He proposed the artwork of the future can only blossom if theater, dance, and music work hand in hand with architecture, painting, and sculpture. The members of the Arts and Crafts Movement took this concept and applied it to their approach. Now, a designer should design every element in a house from a chair to the dinner plates. Every item designed in unison would work together and change the home life. Nothing in the house could be considered too small or unimportant to not be designed with craft and…
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