The Evolution Of Color Blocking
Art Influence-
Piet Mondrian1920s Abstract Expressionist
Co-founder of De Stijl Art Movement Neoplasticism: non-representational art consisting of a white background with horizontal and vertical black lines and a strict palette of primary colors. |
Mark Rothko1940s/1950s Abstract Expressionist
Founder of Color Field Painting Multiforms: large fields of solid colors, contrasting and complementary, combined together in block forms. Some color combinations were bright, while others were opaque. |
1960s-
The Mondrian Look
Garment color blocking began in 1965 when designer Yves Saint Laurent created a dress inspired by Piet Mondrian's famous Composition works. Taking Mondrian's canvas of mixed primary colors, horizontal and vertical black lines, and a white ground, YSL created a geometric look for clothing. |
1980s-
In the 1980s, major designers brought color blocking back into the spotlight and made it stronger than ever before. Before, color blocking was minimalistic and the hues were softer. In the 80s, brighter and more vibrant colors were used for color blocking, and more colors were incorporated in each garment or outfit.