Art Deco: A Combination of Modernism and Luxury Art Deco is a style of art that flourished in the 1920s and 1930s and has remained popular to this day. Known for its bold geometric shapes, sleek lines, and luxurious materials, Art Deco is a visual representation of modernism and luxury. Originating in Paris, France, Art Deco was a response to the strict and formal style of Art Nouveau. The name “Art Deco” is derived from the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, an exhibition that showcased new and modern designs in art and architecture.