Tate Britain’s new exhibition, The 80s: Photographing Britain, is now open to the public, showcasing nearly 350 images and archive materials that provide a comprehensive look at photography’s evolution in the UK during the 1980s. The exhibition features works by renowned photographers such as John Harris, Brenda Prince, Syd Shelton, and Paul Trevor, capturing significant moments like the miners’ strikes, anti-racism demonstrations, and projects related to the conflict in Northern Ireland.
In addition to documenting the cultural and political landscape of the era, The 80s: Photographing Britain also delves into the technical advancements and theoretical influences that shaped photography during that time. Scholars like Stuart Hall and Victor Burgin, as well as publications like Ten.8 and Camerawork, played a crucial role in shaping the discourse around photography in the 1980s.
The exhibition highlights the work of more than 70 photographers and collectives, showcasing a diverse range of perspectives and approaches to the medium. Artists like Roshini Kempadoo, Sutapa Biswas, and Al-An deSouza explore themes of diasporic identities through their experimental imagery, while Joy Gregory and Maxine Walker use self-portraiture to challenge traditional notions of Black beauty and femininity.
Against the backdrop of social and political challenges such as Section 28 and the AIDS epidemic, The 80s: Photographing Britain also shines a spotlight on photographers who sought to make the LGBTQ+ community more visible. Artists like Tessa Boffin and Sunil Gupta used their work to subvert stereotypes and challenge discriminatory legislation, creating powerful images that reflect the struggles and resilience of marginalized communities.
The exhibition concludes with a series of works that celebrate countercultural movements of the 80s, including Ingrid Pollard and Franklyn Rodgers’s documentation of underground performances and club culture. Looking ahead to the future of photography, The 80s: Photographing Britain also recognizes the contributions of emerging artists like Wolfgang Tillmans and Jason Evans, who pushed the boundaries of fashion photography with their innovative and youth-oriented approach.
The 80s: Photographing Britain will be on display at Tate Britain until May 5, 2025, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich and diverse legacy of British photography from this transformative decade.
