The 80s Aesthetic Today

The 1980s was a decade of bold experimentation, where visual and cultural esthetics broke past norms, forming a distinct style that continues to influence culture until today. This blog explores why the 80s aesthetic holds such appeal and why it continues to re-emerge.

The 80s Aesthetic

In examining why the '80s aesthetic remains influential, it's essential to consider the visual characteristics that define it. From neon colors and geometric patterns to oversized silhouettes it was an era driven by optimism which spurred the blending of influences across art, fashion, and design. The bold colors, exaggerated forms, and dynamic patterns of the 80s supported and emphasized the human desire for optimism and freedom. According to psychology science, our brains are naturally drawn to stimuli that stand out, and the 80s aesthetic capitalized on this with color and form.

Technological Influence

The 1980s was the first decade to see the widespread influence of digital technology on design and media. The arrival of personal computers, synthesizers, and digital editing tools allowed designers and artists to explore new forms and colors that had previously been impossible. Neon and pastel color schemes, grid-based layouts, and futuristic themes became emblematic of an era where technology met creative experimentation. The rise of digital design transformed the visual landscape, integrating new aesthetics into art. The digital style, characterized by glitch art, pixel graphics, and synthetic sounds, rapidly became linked to modernity and a futuristic outlook. Reflecting on these aesthetics today often evokes a sense of nostalgia for the beginning optimism in the era of technology.

The Influence of Media and Globalization

The 80s was a time of globalization and media expansion. With the rise of MTV, cable TV, and widespread access to cinema, aesthetic styles became standardized across the globe. MTV for example, not only showcased music but also propagated the 80s visual style. The constant reinforcement of 80s visual motifs through media led to widespread familiarity and acceptance of its aesthetic principles. Today's cultural nostalgia for the 80s can, in part, be attributed to this media-saturated landscape, which created enduring visual memories and associations.

The Role of Individualism and Freedom in 80s Aesthetics

Although aesthetics is the primary focus here, it's worth noting that the themes of individualism and freedom were central to the 80s. As societies embraced more progressive social values, fashion and design reflected a breaking away from traditional forms and constraints. A connection between aesthetics and identity was also established—through punk, New Wave, and hip-hop cultures. The 80s aesthetic became more than just a style; it symbolized the freedom to express one's individuality openly, a theme that continues to resonate and inspire designers, musicians, and filmmakers today. The aesthetic of the 80's carries with it an implicit message of personal freedom and identity.

The Return in the 80s Aesthetic

The resurgence of 80s aesthetics, which began in the early 2000s and continues today, is a classic example of cultural nostalgia. Nostalgia for past aesthetics is driven by psychological comfort—familiar aesthetics provide a sense of stability in the face of change. With the rapid technological and social shifts of the 21st century, there is a longing for the simpler, colorful, and optimistic vision of the future that the 80s promised. Additionally, our previous experience suggests that aesthetic trends cycle every 20 to 30 years as younger generations 'rediscover' the past with their own eyes. For millennials and Gen Z, who didn't live through the 80s firsthand, the aesthetic offers a way to explore themes of personal freedom, technology, and identity in a new historical context.

Ultimately, the 80s aesthetic endures by providing a unique blend of vibrancy, technological nostalgia, and cultural symbolism. Its return isn't merely about style but reflects a deeper psychological and sociocultural connection to themes of freedom, experimentation, and optimism. The fusion of past, present, and future for now successfully held on in the aesthetic stage.