The year of 1979 is a wonderful year for art but is also a time of political upheaval, cultural renaissance, and technological milestones. It will be remembered as a time for transformation and resilience as the world finds itself at a crossroads, teetering between moments of triumph and turmoil, that are shaping the course of history in profound ways.
Certain events of this year certainly stand out as milestones. The 1979 Iranian Revolution has led to the overthrow of the Shah of Iran and the establishment of an Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Khomeini. How these events will play out, no one knows. In today’s politics, the signing of the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty paves the way for a historic peace agreement between the two nations, negotiated by Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem along with the support of our U.S. President, Jimmy Carter.
1979 could also be considered a great year for movies as we see the release of Ridley Scott's "Alien" which sets a new standard for science fiction cinema. The movie blends together horror, suspense, and innovation with Sigourney Weaver in the lead role. This is also the year the Sony Walkman is being released which will certainly alter the way we listen to music forever. The Comics scene is also having a great year as many comic creators are turning out art worthy of fine art status.
In the world of sports, the Montreal Canadians win the Stanley Cup in a thrilling victory, setting up their legacy as one of the most successful teams in NHL history.
On the artistic front, various notable works emerged in 1979, reflecting the different creative landscapes of our era. From the completion of the North Western Terminal, Chicago IL (1979) by Helmut Jahn to Judy Cassab`s Portrait of Charles Blackman, the year showcased a spectrum of artistic endeavors that has invited viewers to explore new narratives and perspectives. This webpage will showcase some of that art that will surely ignite curiosity, inspire creativity, and create a deeper appreciation for the artistry ingenuity of 1979.
North Western Terminal, Chicago IL (1979) by Helmut Jahn
Alien 1979 - Image Artwork Kultur Arts Studio by KulturArts Studio
the Human Heart, 1979 by Andy Warhol
Aquarel -Les, 1979 by Manel Plana
Catherine La Rose (1979) by Jeremy Mann
West Window (1979) by Alex Katz
Pennsylvania Stream (1979) by Millard Sheets 1024x1024
Noon Chapal Mexico (1979) by Millard Sheets
Alice in Wonderland aka Dream Passage by Salvador Dali (1979)
Els Gossos Iv (1979) by Joan Miro
Art troupe (XXL) by Andrzej Gudanski
Beached Boats, oil, 1979 by Wrigley
Portrait of Charles Blackman, oil by Judy Cassab
Women Amidst Bananas, (1979) oil, 38” x 48” by Anita Magsaysay-Ho
Cityscape (1979) by Jeremy Mann
"Tuttomondo" 1979 by Keith Haring.
The year is 1979, and the art scene is bursting with creativity and new ideas. One notable piece from this year is "Tuttomondo" by Keith Haring. Created in Pisa, Italy, this mural stands as a powerful testament to Haring's unique style and enduring legacy. As the world grapples with social and political changes, Haring's work resonates deeply. His bold lines and dynamic figures convey a sense of urgency and hope, reflecting the tumultuous times of the late 1970s. Against the backdrop of Cold War tensions and civil unrest, Haring's art serves as a beacon of light and optimism. "Tuttomondo," which translates to "All World," is a testament to Haring's belief in the universality of art. The mural features a diverse array of figures – from dancing figures to radiant hearts – symbolizing unity and diversity in a world plagued by division. In a time marked by cultural shifts and artistic experimentation, Haring's fusion of graffiti and pop art represents a unique blend of high and low culture. His bold colors and playful imagery challenge conventional notions of art and invite viewers to contemplate the deeper meaning behind his work. As we navigate the complexities of the late 1970s, "Tuttomondo" stands as a timeless reminder of the power of art to inspire change and transcend boundaries. Keith Haring's indelible mark on the art world continues to resonate with audiences around the globe, making "Tuttomondo" a symbol of hope and unity in an ever-changing world. - Inspiring City
The Dinner Party" by feminist artist Judy Chicago
This year, 1979, is shaping up to be a terrific year for female artists. One that I think is absolutely delightful is "The Dinner Party" by feminist artist Judy Chicago. The artwork was just completed this year after five years of work. It represents a huge dinner table with 39 settings, each dedicated to a remarkable woman from history. On these settings, there are plates showcasing the accomplishments of these women in areas like art, literature, science, and activism. Judy Chicago created this artwork to emphasize the often overlooked roles of women in history and to ensure their voices and experiences are celebrated.
'The Dinner Party' stirred many mixed reactions upon its debut. While some praised its innovative approach to feminist art, others criticized its bold representations of historical figures. But even though people had different opinions, it made many think about inequality and diversity in the arts. It's seen as an important feminist artwork, celebrating the power and creativity of women. The artwork serves as a reminder of women's enduring strength and contributions over time. It challenges us to reconsider whose stories are valued and whose voices are elevated in today`s cultural society. Since its debut this year, "The Dinner Party" has become a symbol of empowerment and advocacy and shows how art can transform our understanding of both the past and the present, inviting us to reflect on the importance of inclusion and representation in our shared history. - Anita Williams
Doctor Strange Comic (1979) by Steve Leialoha and Gene Colan
References
Andy Warhol human heart C 1979 green painting - human heart C 1979 Green Print For Sale. paintingandframe.com. (n.d.). https://paintingandframe.com/prints/ andy_warhol_human_heart_c_1979_green-19528.html
1979 - First walkman. (2025, April 8). Flickr; 1979 - First walkman | The first Sony Walkman from 1979: TPS… | Flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/pinodita/26435394523
Smithsonian Institution. (2025). 1979: A Year in the Collections | Smithsonian Institution. Smithsonian Institution. https://www.si.edu/spotlight/1979
Yahoo. (2019). Yahoo Image Search. Yahoo.com. https://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images
Arte moderno y contemporáneo a la Venta en Subasta Online - Catawiki. (2025). Catawiki.https:// www.catawiki.com/es/c/117-arte-moderno-y-contemporaneo
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/july-1/the-first-sony-walkman-goes-on-sale
https://inspiringcity.com/2025/01/23/tuttomondo-the-story-of-keith-harings-mural-in-pisa/
https://smarthistory.org/judy-chicago-the-dinner-party/