So much ’80s art, so little time… Two years ago when I started this blog, I had to search long and hard to find 1980s images online. I knew every ’80s design pic by heart, and I added my share of new images to the mix, but I yearned for the day when a 1980s revival would reach the realms of art and interior design. That day has arrived, and my head is exploding (and I couldn’t be happier about it)! ’80s art Tumblrs are popping up left and right, and we’re here to spotlight 10 of the best! A special thanks to my friends Art and Afshar for leading me to some of my favorite Tumblrs on this list. You won’t want to miss what follows…
1. 80s Art
This is the definitive Tumblr on 1980s fine art. Jason Cawood has created a thorough, well-sourced and visually stunning blog of ’80s-tastic images, from painting to multimedia sculpture. It’s a must-visit!
2. Gute Luft
Ok, so this one isn’t officially a Tumblr…but it’s too amazing to leave off the list! Carefully edited by Annie Strachan and Dale Marshall, Gute Luft showcases the “cultural output of the late 20th century.” Art, fashion design, interior design and video are just a few of the areas covered.
3. Palm & Laser
Recently featured in a BuzzFeed article on awesome ’80s design, Palm & Laser is a comprehensive source for ’80s art and graphic design. Seriously, this Tumblr is bursting with images, from the tropical to the neon (and neon noir)! Note: some images are not safe for work.
4. Primitive Feathers
Art, interior design, fashion design, product design… Primitive Feathers is a Tumblr featuring an extensive selection of gorgeous, high-quality images. Top-notch eye candy to the max!
5. Queenpalms
This Tumblr has an amazing aesthetic that includes images of crystal clear surfaces, flowing water, prismatic colors, and general coolness. It’s incredibly refreshing to find a collection of pics that are so cohesive, they each contribute to a unique artistic vision. The ’80s are brought into a crisp, modern context in a way that can only be fully appreciated by a visit to Queenpalms!
6. behind the walk-in
’80s technology has never looked so good… Behind the walk-in spotlights an assortment of art, design and fashion images. Many of the pics are ads for products like video tapes and cassette players. At times there’s a sci-fi element to the imagery, which makes this blog truly rad.
7. Braceli
Colorful art and products both old and new brighten this Tumblr. It’s quite fun to see parallels between the 1980s pics and the more modern items. Not to mention, the images are beautifully presented. There’s pure joy in the juxtaposition of color and form–this blog is quite an experience!
8. commonchant
Against the backdrop of pastel swirls, commonchant displays a range of eclectic images, such as ’80s artwork and color-saturated products. Curator Julie Eckert has compared her Tumblr to a sticker collection, and she truly enjoys experimenting with color, texture and pattern. Read an interview with Julie here, and be sure to check out the visual wonder that is commonchant!
9. Colorflip.com
So we once again deviated from the Tumblr format… But this is SO worth it! We spotted an image from Colorflip.com on an ’80s Tumblr, and we had to check it out for ourselves. When you land on the site, you’ll see a vivid, one-color blank screen. But pull down the corner and you have a constantly-evolving work of art, and you’re the one in control. Don’t like the colors at hand? A new color will soon emerge, and you can start all over again! Create your own ’80s-style art!
10. Penabranca
Penabranca features the mystical new works of a talented artist, but the ’80s influences are clear! From trippy tribal motifs to diamond-fabulous geometry, the updated retro style of each piece is irresistible!
This is just the tip of the iceberg, folks. Did we miss your favorite ’80s Tumblr? Let us know by leaving a comment and a link! Have a vibrant Wednesday!
Guest says
This doesn't appear on the main blog for some reason; only on the "latest" sidebar.
MirrorKate says
It should be on the slider at the top of the blog–let me know if it doesn't appear there for you, and I'll look into it. Thanks for the comment!
chris says
raisinmilk.tumblr.com is also great!
MirrorKate says
Um, wow!!! So glad to know about this–thanks for the tip, Chris! Amazing visuals and graphics!
MirrorKate says
Another reader suggested 80s touch: http://80s-touch.tumblr.com/
It's packed with images! Be advised that it's not safe for work.
Annusya says
This tumblr bloggie, UUiUU isn't exclusively an art one, but it's so cute and very '80s Japanese! 😀 I LOVE it! 😀
http://uuiuu.tumblr.com/
Duckitoo says
Awesome 80’s tumblr http://vhs-80.tumblr.com/