Art Nouveau is beautiful and generally a good fit for SolarPunk but I would also make sure to emphasize the optimistic eco-futurism as well. Solarpunk shouldn’t feel nostalgic, in my opinion, but rather hopeful.
Art Nouveau is specifically mentioned in the Manifesto. I think it’s a great choice, but one should be a little bit careful. If we look at the goals of Art
Function should define form. (the idea of reducing waste)
Unity of the arts and the abolition of any distinction between major art (architecture) and minor arts (decorative arts). (this ties really well to ideas like 3d Printing, or “personalised” production)
Nature’s logic is the model to be used for architecture. (this ties really well to the idea that AI or simulation to optimise materials take on very natural forms)
Architecture should adapt itself to man’s environment and needs. (Interplay between environment and humanity)
Use of modern technologies and materials. (Jugaad, appropriate technology, etc)
The danger though is that it can look a bit bourgeoise if applied without thought. You kind of have to put yourself in the seat of someone sitting in the future sort of “re-inventing” art-nouveau. What would that look like? When we talk about material and form, or when we talk about “major” and “minor” arts, how do they connect? How would major artists express their craft? There’s almost a question of the feminine and Feminism here as well. How does society express itself when womanhood is further emancipated?
I’ll definitely keep that in mind.
By emphasizing optimistic eco futurism would that mean including pictures or motifs of solarpunk tech (such as hydroponics)?
I think hydroponics, sustainable energy sources, technology improving people’s lives like prosthesis, etc, are all a great way to communicate the balance of taking what’s good about both new and old ways of life to make something novel that treats humans more kindly than the way we currently live
Let me add that Zenless Zone Zero does have some of these elements so I’d add it as inspiration (a bit too much urban without not much greenery at times tho)
For example the robot serving coffee has a coffee grinder head! Or the guy that serves noodles spawns robot arms to show off his skills
Art Nouveau is beautiful and generally a good fit for SolarPunk but I would also make sure to emphasize the optimistic eco-futurism as well. Solarpunk shouldn’t feel nostalgic, in my opinion, but rather hopeful.
Art Nouveau is specifically mentioned in the Manifesto. I think it’s a great choice, but one should be a little bit careful. If we look at the goals of Art
The danger though is that it can look a bit bourgeoise if applied without thought. You kind of have to put yourself in the seat of someone sitting in the future sort of “re-inventing” art-nouveau. What would that look like? When we talk about material and form, or when we talk about “major” and “minor” arts, how do they connect? How would major artists express their craft? There’s almost a question of the feminine and Feminism here as well. How does society express itself when womanhood is further emancipated?
I’ll definitely keep that in mind. By emphasizing optimistic eco futurism would that mean including pictures or motifs of solarpunk tech (such as hydroponics)?
I think hydroponics, sustainable energy sources, technology improving people’s lives like prosthesis, etc, are all a great way to communicate the balance of taking what’s good about both new and old ways of life to make something novel that treats humans more kindly than the way we currently live
Let me add that Zenless Zone Zero does have some of these elements so I’d add it as inspiration (a bit too much urban without not much greenery at times tho)
For example the robot serving coffee has a coffee grinder head! Or the guy that serves noodles spawns robot arms to show off his skills
So both nature and tech coexisting :)