INTRODUCTORY PANEL
Art in the 1980s, like work from the preceding decades, often related to cultural, social, and political matters of the time. For example, the advent and ravages of AIDS, the ending of the recession and strong economic growth, the advancing technology of personal computers and the Internet, and the thawing of the Cold War all led to new global connections. The public addressed some of these issues through symbolic measures such as tearing down the Berlin Wall and the dizzying array of quilts created in honor of AIDS victims arranged over the lawn of the National Mall.
Many artists responded to what was happening in the through their works of art. This is particularly apparent In the work of graffiti artists whose work, in the 1980s, expanded into the fine art realm. During this period other artists looked away from what was occurring culturally to focus on an inward artistic vision. The subject matter in this case focused on the body and identity—specifically race and gender issues. Bridging these two approaches was the advent of the Neo-Expressionist movement. Artists working in this manner reacted to what they perceived as the cold and rigid style of Minimal and Conceptual Art from the 1960s and 1970s. Instead, the Neo-Expressionists embraced emotion, gesture, symbolism, and narrative to create both figurative and abstract works that that often incorporated autobiographical elements while commenting on societal concerns. Rewind: Art of the 19805 reveals these different styles and approaches while demonstrating the growth and expansion of various ideas that began in the 1970s.
FEATURED ARTISTS
Many artists responded to what was happening in the through their works of art. This is particularly apparent In the work of graffiti artists whose work, in the 1980s, expanded into the fine art realm. During this period other artists looked away from what was occurring culturally to focus on an inward artistic vision. The subject matter in this case focused on the body and identity—specifically race and gender issues. Bridging these two approaches was the advent of the Neo-Expressionist movement. Artists working in this manner reacted to what they perceived as the cold and rigid style of Minimal and Conceptual Art from the 1960s and 1970s. Instead, the Neo-Expressionists embraced emotion, gesture, symbolism, and narrative to create both figurative and abstract works that that often incorporated autobiographical elements while commenting on societal concerns. Rewind: Art of the 19805 reveals these different styles and approaches while demonstrating the growth and expansion of various ideas that began in the 1970s.
FEATURED ARTISTS
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