The 1980s art world was filled with diverse styles and ideologies, with neo-expressionists, abstract painters, installation artists, and appropriationsts vying for recognition and success. Despite the surface appearances, there was much contention and complexity beneath the artistic movements of the time.
Neo-Expressionism: Characterized by bold, expressive brushstrokes and vivid colors, this movement emerged in the 1980s as a reaction against the minimalism and conceptual art of the previous decade.
Source: Tate, "Neo-Expressionism," https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/n/neo-expressionism
Graffiti Art: The 1980s saw the rise of graffiti art as a legitimate form of artistic expression. Artists like Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat gained recognition for their street art-inspired work.
Source: The Art Story, "Graffiti Art," https://www.theartstory.org/movement/graffiti-art/
Pop Art: While Pop Art first emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, the style continued to be influential in the 1980s. Artists like Andy Warhol and Keith Haring continued to explore popular culture and consumerism through their artwork.
Source: Tate, "Pop Art," https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/p/pop-art
New Wave Cinema: The 1980s saw the rise of independent and experimental filmmakers, with directors like David Lynch and Jim Jarmusch gaining fame for their unconventional and boundary-pushing films.
Source: BFI, "80s Independent Cinema," https://www.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/sight-sound-magazine/features/new-wave-cinema-80s
Performance Art: Artists in the 1980s continued to push the boundaries of traditional art forms, with performance art becoming increasingly popular. Artists like Laurie Anderson and Marina Abramovic used their bodies as a medium for artistic expression.
Source: The Museum of Modern Art, "Performance Art," https://www.moma.org/learn/moma_learning/themes/performance-art/
Digital Art: As technology advanced in the 1980s, artists began to experiment with digital mediums for creating art. This decade saw the emergence of computer-generated artwork and video installations.
Source: Smithsonian American Art Museum, "Digital Art," https://americanart.si.edu/artwork/digital-art-35200
Postmodern Art: The 1980s was a decade of experimentation and diversity in the art world, with artists exploring themes of identity, politics, and culture in a postmodern context. Artists like Cindy Sherman and Jenny Holzer challenged traditional notions of art and society.
Source: The Art Story, "Postmodernism," https://www.theartstory.org/movement-postmodernism.htm
Installation Art: Artists in the 1980s began to create immersive and interactive installations that transformed gallery spaces. Artists like Christo and Jeanne-Claude and Jeff Koons created large-scale, impactful works that engaged the viewer in new and innovative ways.
Source: Guggenheim, "Installation Art," https://www.guggenheim.org/artspeak/term/installation-art