José Alvarez's 'Histoires de l'art déco' Examines Art Deco as Zeitgeist

José Alvarez's book 'Histoires de l'art déco' (Éditions du Regard) takes an original approach to the Art Deco phenomenon, treating it not as a unified style but as a 'state of mind' or Zeitgeist. The plural 'Histoires' reflects diverse narratives and testimonies. The structure is organized around fluctuations in value—emergence, disappearance, and return of objects and creations. Three types of texts frame the movement: Alvarez's historical account of ideological dissensus, internal tensions, and late institutional recognition, highlighting the role of market actors like collector Jacques Doucet, antique dealers, and auction houses; Laurent Noël's scientific analysis 'Évolutions économiques du style Art déco'; and Nadine Coleno's biographical notes on key Art Deco creators. The iconography mixes period documents and photographs with images of Deco objects and furniture. Christophe Kihm reviewed the book for artpress.