THE 1980'S – HEDONISTIC YEARS

The 1980s saw the emergence of new styles, movements, and technologies, as well as the introduction of a fresh look that challenged traditional notions of beauty and representation.

One of the most significant developments in photography during the 1980s was the use of new technologies. While digital photography was still in its infancy, there were significant advancements in film technology, including new types of film and lenses. This allowed photographers to experiment with new techniques and styles, and it led to the creation of some of the most iconic images of the era.

The 1980s was also marked by the rise of a new style of fashion photography known as the "Power Look." This style was characterized by bold colors, strong lines, and a sense of power and confidence. Photographers like Patrick Demarchelier and Bruce Weber helped to define this style and create images that captured the spirit of the era.

In addition to the Power Look, the 1980s saw the introduction of a fresher look in photography. This look was characterized by a raw, gritty, and unpolished aesthetic that challenged traditional notions of beauty and representation. Photographers like Juergen Teller, Wolfgang Tillmans, and Corinne Day helped to define this look and create images that captured the spirit of the era.

The fresh outside look in photography was closely associated with the rise of postmodernism, a cultural and intellectual movement that rejected the idea of a single, objective truth and embraced a more fragmented and subjective approach to art and culture. Postmodernism had a significant impact on photography, as photographers began to experiment with new techniques and styles that challenged traditional notions of beauty and representation.

Photographers like Cindy Sherman, who created images that explored gender and identity, and Nan Goldin, who documented the lives of her friends and lovers in a raw and honest way, helped to define the postmodern approach to photography. Their images were powerful and emotional, and they captured the spirit of the era in a way that was both authentic and compelling.