80s Youth – the best of times, the worst of times

Through a mire of 90s Britpop, plaid and bindi revivals, arrives a little taste of the 80s, thanks to a new show organised by print studio Printer of Dreams.

Tony Johnson, ET
Tony Johnson, ET

The north London-based studio is running a satellite show at the Ritzy cinema in Brixton, entitled 80s Youth – the best of times, the worst of times.

The exhibition sees 11 artists re-imagine 80s movie posters, bringing to life classics including Stand By ME, Ghostbusters and E.T.

Toby Leigh, Ghostbusters
Toby Leigh, Ghostbusters

‘I think there’s such an iconic look to 80s movies’, says Ruth Waters, Printer of Dreams director.

‘They’re so prevalent in young illustrators’ minds as they’re all the films they watched when they were younger. That sort of imagery translates really well into posters’.

Joe Mellhuish, Big Trouble In Little China
Joe Mellhuish, Big Trouble In Little China

Among the designers, illustrators and artists taking part in the show are Rob Flowers, Edward Tuckwell, Alec Doherty, Jean Julien and Mat Weller.

While most of the posters are being kept under wraps for the ‘great unveiling’, we love the look of the ones we’ve seen already, including Alex Doherty’s innovative approach to Labyrinth:

Alex Doherty, Labyrinth
Alex Doherty, Labyrinth

And Kate Copeland’s rather dramatic, monochrome take on Back to the Future:

Kate Copeland, Back to the Future
Kate Copeland, Back to the Future

Such subtlety is something of a departure from the high-drama of 80s flicks. ‘They’re just really brash and good fun’, says Waters.

‘There’s a look in movies where it’s all so realistic and poised it loses some of that. What I love is things like when te blood just looked like ketchup  things didn’t look so polished’.

Mat Weller, Raider of the Lost Ark
Mat Weller, Raider of the Lost Ark

80s Youth – the best of times, the worst of times runs from 6 May – 6 June at Upstairs at the Ritzy, Ritzy Cinema, Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Ln, London, SW2 1JG

80s Youth poster
80s Youth poster
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