Unlike the minimal conceptualism of the 70s, 80s artists reacted with past colour, political and often in public. Michel Basquiat, a Neo-Expressionist painter had his break-through in the 1980s as he began to collaborate with Andy Warhol. He redefined selfexpression through graffiti style art. Similarly, Keith Haring was an American artist who responded to the culture seen within New York throughout the 1980s. His partnership with Grace Jones has provided one of fashions most memorable moments and has influenced Rodarte Spring Summer 2010 and Supreme T-shirts among many.
If postmodernism was bright and colourful it was also dark and dystopian. Cindy Sherman created a new kind of art for the 80s - questioning female representation through selfdocumentation. Her pioneering of the body as a canvas has influenced fashion from pop starts to conceptual artists. Postmodernism in fashion during the 80s was evident in Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood and Comme des Garcon.
Public Art & Neo-Expressionism
It was a time of progression, power and the introduction of technology. ‘Motorola DynaTac’ 1983 was the first mobile phone. On January 24th 1984, Steve Jobs introduced the Macintosh 128K. This was the first mass-market personal computer. The word internet had almost been unused until the mid 80s.
Architecture also began to embody a futuristic aesthetic. The Lloyds Bank of London was built in 1978-86 and was designed by Richard Rodgers. Designed to allow the service pipes to surround and climb the building to maximise space in the interior. Often compared to the Pompidou Centre in Paris. If not futuristic, architecture was set to be different, individual and postmodern with architects like Michael Graves paving the way.
The 80s was the decade of greed, art movements and products were eccentric ‘if you’ve got it flaunt it gusto.’ This started a counter trend. The consumerism enveloping Japan began filtering into our fashion landscape with the likes of Rei Kawakubo and Issey Miyake preferring minimal pattern and strong lines.
Decade of Greed
Italian design group Memphis, founded by Ettore Sottsass are responsible for many of the iconic 80s furniture. The collective aimed to break the rules of traditional design, fitting perfectly in an era when pop culture was dominated by new romanticism and flamboyance. A manifestation of obscure postmodern theories influential in art and architecture. The Memphis print has influenced fashion designers Proenza Schouler and Peter Pilotto among many.
MEMPHIS
After the economic mess of the 70s including the three-day working week, fashion and art responded with playful statements for happier times. MTV first aired in 1981. The New Romantics and the explosion of the London club scene saw the formation of the Blitz Kids. The Blitz began making headlines thanks to its outrageous clothes and gender liquidation. Leigh Bowery and Grace Jones have become synonymous with
New Romantics
These technological advancements along with newly released sci-fi films Bladerunner (1982) and Robocop (1987) influenced fashion as bodies began to resembled machines and power. The birth of ‘posthuman.’ Thierry Mugler and Guy Bourdin are among many of the fashion creatives who implemented a dystopian fashion future.
Post Human
The 80s was a generation focused on change and unconventional design. Prevailing the conservatism of the previous decade with expressionism, colour and thoughts of a technological future. Politically, socially and creatively, outputs were set to test existing ideas and concepts with radical design and rebellion.
Radical Rebellion
Laura Oliver 1980s Art Movements, Product Design & Architecture