Artistic Movements In Arcane: Art Nouveau

Artistic Movements in Arcane: Art Nouveau

This is part two of a series of analysis’s of the influence of real life art movements in arcane (part one). The last analysis focused on Art Deco, which is pretty much Piltover™ (but don’t worry, there’s more). Now, let’s take a dip down to Zaun, with:

ART NOUVEAU A misconception to clear up: this is not Art Deco. Yes, it is also called Art (insert French), but it is something completely different. Capishe? Art Nouveau came about in the 1890s/1900s era. The movement is about flowy lines, intricate detail, the female form, heavy inspiration from nature and biology, and odd curves. It was popular among the growing middle class and a fascination with the beautiful bits of sciences. There are a few similarities between the two, but a lot of differences. The fluid, asymmetrical curves of Art Nouveau, and Zaun, contrast the sharp decadence of Piltover’s Art Deco. Though it is not quite as visually obvious as the grunge/punk aspect of Zaun, once you see it, it will be everywhere. And while we see some of the core themes of Art Deco ingrained into the character of Piltover, the presence of Art Nouveau is just inside of Zaun in so much of its spirit.

Arcane Art Nouveau

versus IRL Art Nouveau.

Firstly, let’s address Zaun’s use of Art Nouveau throughout its environment. You’ll see lots of curves and twists going on, intricate ironwork, and glasswork. And of course, the big mural of the lady that Vi jumps by. Zaun is partially underground and its main industry is mining. They are literally called “fissure folk”. Obviously, they would have plenty of the raw materials lying and metalworking skill around for Art Nouveau. The background artists knew what they were doing. Not only were they thinking about what would be available in Zaun, but also about the skill and artistic appreciation the Zaunites have. It is so easy to think of Piltover as refined and cultured, while dismissing Zaun as a dump, which is something do in real life with rich people culture versus poor people culture, but by using a style that is very detail oriented, it gives more attention to Zaun’s age and culture.

But why Art Nouveau specifically? Why not some other detailed art movement? Simple: the core values of the movement. Art Nouveau is all about nature. Those hallmark curves are inspired by the way vines and insect wings grow. It may be puzzling, as Zaun doesn’t seem to have a lot of greenery, but that’s what makes it even more valuable.

In this shot of the fancy chembaron boardroom, you’ll see a lot of plants. Aside from being pretty, plants are kind of a status symbol. They take resources like good soil, air, sunlight, and water, which Zaun doesn’t have much of. Plants are life, and life is something Zaun craves.

This is Ekko’s Firelight tree. When he found it, he knew there was hope for Zaun to become a better place, to be revitalised. Trees clean the air and give life. Again, we see how Zaun craves life.

Jinx’s bug bombs feel especially more ironic considering how Art Nouveau is all about life, and these bombs are all about death.

Even without constant access to nature, people are imitating life through the inanimate materials they have. Zaun is crafty, innovative, and hungry for just a chance to breathe easy and drink clean water.

Speaking of Jinx, another focus of Art Nouveau is the feminine figure.

And wouldn’t you know it, the main characters are two sisters from Zaun?

In fact, I would argue that Jinx is the most Art Nouveau character. Though she dresses in a grunge/punk style, it’s really more about the aura she exudes. She is someone who has had all the people she loves die around her or leave her. Her machines bring death, sometimes good, sometimes bad. She, more than anything, desparately needs life and nature. Her movements have a certain lithe flow to them, and her hair… well, the animators sure had fun with that. Jinx is the face of Zaun, wild, unpredictable, tragic, and craving for life.

While there is so much more I could say about Art Nouveau in Arcane, this is about all I’ve got right now. More art analyses are on their way.