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New Wave


From Design+Encyclopedia, the free encyclopedia on good design, art, architecture, creativity, engineering and innovation.
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New Wave

New Wave is a cultural movement that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, encompassing various forms of art, including music, fashion, film, and design. It was a reaction to the dominant cultural trends of the time, such as disco and corporate rock, and represented a new wave of creativity and experimentation. In music, New Wave was characterized by its use of synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments, as well as its incorporation of elements from other genres, such as punk, funk, and reggae. It was a diverse genre that encompassed everything from the accessible pop-oriented styles of bands like Blondie and The Cars to the more experimental avant-garde styles of groups like Talking Heads and Devo. In fashion, New Wave was characterized by its use of bright colors, bold patterns, and innovative materials, such as PVC and neoprene. It was a rejection of the more conservative styles of the previous decade and represented a new wave of individualism and self-expression. In film, New Wave was characterized by its use of unconventional storytelling techniques, such as non-linear narratives and jump cuts, as well as its focus on social issues and political commentary. It was a reaction to the formulaic Hollywood blockbusters of the time and represented a new wave of independent filmmaking. In design, New Wave was characterized by its use of modern materials, such as plastic and metal, as well as its focus on functionality and efficiency. It was a rejection of the ornate and decorative styles of the past and represented a new wave of minimalism and simplicity. Overall, New Wave represented a new wave of creativity, experimentation, and individualism that swept through various forms of art in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Music, Fashion, Film, Design, Creativity

Eric Green

203091
New Wave

New Wave is a design movement characterized by its utilization of modern materials, technology, and innovative forms. It is distinguished from other design movements by its focus on creating functional and aesthetically pleasing items that are also highly efficient. New Wave design often features curved, asymmetrical shapes and smooth, clean lines, as well as bright, vibrant colors.

Design, Modern, Contemporary, Aesthetic, Efficiency

Olga Ivanova

CITATION : "Olga Ivanova. 'New Wave.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=203091 (Accessed on July 20, 2025)"

176404
New Wave

New Wave is an umbrella term used to describe a broad range of styles of popular music that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It is characterized by synthesized elements, a reliance on technology and electronic instruments, and the incorporation of elements from other genres such as punk rock, funk, and disco. The genre is associated with the post-punk movement, but also includes a wide range of subgenres, from the more accessible pop-oriented styles to the more experimental avant-garde styles. New Wave music often features unconventional song structures, dynamic changes in tempo, and unconventional instrumentation.

New Wave music, 1980s music, post-punk, synthpop, electronic music, experimental music.

Mark Lewis


New Wave Definition
New Wave on Design+Encyclopedia

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