Secessionists embraced geometry and abstract elements, including within architectural design. It also took influence from the Arts and Crafts movement and utilized similar organic ornamental designs as Jugendstil. Like Art Nouveau, the style of the Vienna Secession often utilized whiplash curves and floral motifs. In particular, it was a response to the Beaux-Arts classicism that was used in the design of municipal buildings in Vienna from 1871 to 1891, which many people believed didn’t adequately fit in contemporary Austria, but the Vienna Secession still took some influence from neoclassicism and nature. While many styles of the time were a complete rejection of classical design and art, the Vienna Secession didn’t fully reject previous characteristics. To every art its freedom.” is carved over the main entrance. The motto of the movement, which translates to “To every age its art. The Secession would house artwork that included paintings, sculptures, architecture, and graphic design, showcasing the broad adoption of the style. In 1898, the Vienna Secession group constructed “The Secession” (die Sezession), a building designed by Joseph Maria Olbrich, to act as an exhibition space near the town square of Karlsplatz. It is most often associated with Art Nouveau-which spread from France to other countries that included Britain and the United States-and Jugendstil, the German version of Art Nouveau. The creation of the Union Austrian Arts was meant as a means of exploring and displaying contemporary art that embraced various aesthetics while reevaluating historical styles. Begun by notable artists and architects Gustav Klimt, Joseph Maria Olbrich, Koloman Moser, and Josef Hoffman among others who had been part of the Association of Austrian Arts, the group founded the Union of Austrian Artists (now known as the Vienna Secession) in 1897.
Like many styles in the late 19th through 20th centuries, the Vienna Secession was a rejection of the traditional conservative style that was prevalent throughout art, architecture, and design.