Movement related to Design, Film and Art

William Morris

Morris, known as an English textile designer, associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and promoted the Arts and Crafts Movement. He was inspired mostly by nature and by time became more abstractive who seed mythical creatures as a source of inspiration. He also believed that hand crafts are superior than machine made production.

Art and Artists, 2012. Jasmine wallpaper 1872. (online) Available at http://3.bp.blogspot.com/HrVeFyZs4Kw/TyZ8nsftUfI/AAAAAAAAIjY/VNwMrUS41rk/s1600/JasmineWallpaper_Morris.jpg (Accessed 28 October 2013)

In this wallpaper, we see a domination of the colour green which is boosting out the whole concept. By the curves of the organic shapes and leaves tangled together, we can observe some movement. The vibrancy of the colour green also invites the viewer to observe the shapes and forms in this wallpaper.  One could also notice the different types of leaves and flowers which contrast each other in shapes and also colour. The leaves going in all directions and being spread all over the wallpaper also enhance the feeling of movement.

Personal Reflections

As we can see, Morris is not idealizing the form of nature but is bringing out his work in a more abstractive way. In fact he uses simple forms and does not seek much detail but only the general idea of leaves and flowers are being conveyed. This wallpaper has plain linear shapes and a flourishing background which gives energy and life to this wallpaper. Also by that time, the machine made products were somehow degrading and dehumanizing such forms. It was not important any more to imitate nature. By that time technology was developing quite fast and this progressive behaviour led to the Arts and Crafts movement.