To some people the 80s just seemed like one big party and crazy clothes, but there was really a lot more going on. What did the 80s mean to Australia as it became more well known around the world? This exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum takes you back to the music, the fashion, the parties, the politics and the people of the 80s.
Cinema and Television
Cinema and television were becoming big in the 80s. There was a boom in production in this area and Australia developed a new confidence in the way they presented themselves to the world. Australian stories such as Neighbours and Mad Max were making an impact on international screens.
Video Games
The 80s is a time very much remembered for video games such as Pac-man, Frogger and Donkey Kong. This was a time of innovations in graphics and concepts constantly coming onto the market. The availability of personal computers moved video games from the public arcades into peoples homes, setting the scene for the digital era.
Music
Music in the 80s was a celebration of raw do-it-yourself indie styles. This was also witnessed by some of the slickest, biggest selling productions ever. Music became alot more about image and lots and less about just the music and sound. Through this change a lot of Australian bands found success both in Australia and overseas.
Subcultures
The 80s saw the increasing appearance of subcultures, with clothing, music and venue the distinctive ‘badges’ of the different urban tribes. Goths and hip hop are two examples
Partying
The 80s have been remembered as a huge party. Music fans began to prefer sophisticated dance parties and nightclubs over live venues. By the late 80s Sydney was buzzing with parties which were sometimes fueled by ‘designer drugs’ such as ecstasy.
The AIDS crisis
In the early 80s there was the discovery of a deadly disease that became known as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Australia was the world leader in prevention for the disease with the gay community in particular rallying to educate people about the virus.
Fashion
Fashion was a huge part of the 80s with many changing fashion styles and statements.
Fads and Toys
The 80s was the decade of conspicuous consumption and ‘must have’ products’. Marketing techniques made items such as the Rubik’s Cubes and Strawberry Shortcake dolls highly desirable items for generation x kids.
Design
In terms of design the 80s was definitely a time of excess. Less is more was out and an exploration of form and colour was in. This was a time of designers embracing a post modern aesthetic.
Source: http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/the80sareback/index.php/exhibition-overview-2/exhibition-themes/
No comments:
Post a Comment