Get rid of everything that is not essential to making a point - NSC Design - Question 4 - 2020 - Paper 1

Characteristic features of De Stijl include the use of a limited color palette focused on primary colors and non-colors like black, white, and grey. Designs from this movement exhibit a strong geometric composition, emphasizing simplicity over elaborate decoration. The overall visual appearance is clean and orderly, contributing to the philosophy of functional beauty in art. Such elements are clearly visible in works by designers like Gerrit Rietveld.

In contrast, the Baroque movement sought to engage viewers through dramatic expression and ornate detail. It emerged in response to the Catholic Church’s need to inspire awe and faith among the masses. Baroque design often featured lavish decorations, steep proportions, and a sense of grandeur. Artists and architects used dramatic lighting and emotional figures to convey a powerful narrative that compelled viewers to engage with the visual experience.

Baroque artworks are characterized by their dynamic composition, intricate detail, and a vibrant color palette. The use of contrasts such as light and shadow creates depth and drama. Architectural designs often feature grand staircases, sweeping curves, and elaborate ornamentation aimed at overwhelming the senses and invoking emotion. An excellent representation of this is seen in the works produced for the Catholic Church, which emphasized both grandeur and spirituality.

Gerrit Rietveld is a notable figure of the De Stijl movement, especially recognized for his Schröder House built in 1924, which showcases the movement’s emphasis on geometric forms and primary colors.

Bernini is a central figure in Baroque design, with his work on the Baldacchino at St. Peter's Basilica exemplifying the grandeur, intricacy, and emotional engagement that the movement is known for.