I recently visited the “New York, New Music: 1980-1986,” the prestigious exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York. This exhibit vividly portrays the whole music scene of New York during the early 80s, and at the same time, it also focuses on three remarkable works that were popular during that time. The first part of the study shows a collection of pictures by Laura Levine that highlight the famous occasions, as these pictures feature famous artists like Madonna and the Beastie Boys. Levine’s work is the perfect example of the authenticity and the diverse style of that period. Thus, it provides a visual story that goes together with the musical history that is on display.
The other exciting part was the whole squad of original flyers and posters from famous clubs like CBGB and The Mudd Club. These things, which are bright and chaotic, are the products of the DIY culture and the underground culture that reigned during that time. Each poster is a narration of a night, a band, and a movement, respectively; in total, the story of the creative explosion that occurred in New York is portrayed. The exhibit additionally has interactive parts that allow the visitors to listen to the music tracks and interviews, thus making them feel more included in the atmosphere of the 80s.
Besides, a remarkable project was the simulator of the recording studio, illustrating the old equipment used by the hip-hop artists of the past. This is an example where all the components are easy to use, and the recordings are easy to listen to, for instance, turntables, mixers, and early drum machines, which solved all the new techniques that revolutionized music production. The exhibit not only shows the different genres that became popular in New York but also proves that a city is a place where cultures and art mix.
