In the art historical consideration of the New Wild movement that emerged in the 1980s, a major theme that has received little attention is the connection between music – particularly punk and new wave – and painting. This article explores how the cultural currents of Punk and New Wave influenced the artists of the Neue Wilde and shaped their work.
The Neue Wilde, known for their expressive, often raw style, found important sources of inspiration in the rebellious energy of punk and the experimental nature of new wave. These musical styles, characterised by their directness and resistance to conventional aesthetics, provided the Neue Wilde artists with a vocabulary that suited their desire for freedom of expression and artistic renewal.
The music scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s was characterised by a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) attitude, which was also echoed in the art of the Neue Wilde. Artists such as Martin Kippenberger and Albert Oehlen took up elements of the punk aesthetic, which was characterised by an emphasis on the spontaneous, unfinished and provocative. These influences were reflected in the way these artists handled colour, used unconventional materials and expressed a certain raw energy in their work.
Another aspect of the influence of punk and new wave was the exploration of social and political issues. Just as the music of these genres often addressed social and political discontent, the Neue Wilde used their art to address the tensions and unrest of their time. Their works were often commentaries on issues such as social injustice, political change and cultural identity.
In addition, the New Wild Ones’ connection to music provided a way to distinguish themselves from the prevailing art trends of the 1970s. At a time when the art world was dominated by minimalism and conceptual art, the inspiration of punk and new wave brought a fresh and dynamic perspective to the art scene.
In conclusion, the combination of music and painting played a key role in the Neue Wilde movement. It influenced not only the aesthetics and themes of their works, but also their attitude and approach to art. This movement remains a shining example of how different art forms can fertilise each other and lead to new forms of creative expression.