Chapter 13: 1983
Life Events | Products | Music | Television | Movies | Styles | Printed Matter | World Events | The Resulting Art
Life Events of 1983
Life In the Country
Junior Prom
Iron Maiden Concert
July 12, 1983, Phoenix Arizona:
South Western Artists Association
View the back of the badge:1
Products
Music
US Festival
In 1983, American pop music was dominated by the meteoric rise of Michael Jackson’s Thriller album, with tracks like "Billie Jean" and "Beat It" topping the charts and revolutionizing the music industry. These hits showcased a blend of pop, rock, and R&B that appealed to a wide audience. The Police also had a major hit with "Every Breath You Take," a song that combined pop-rock with haunting, emotionally charged lyrics, making it one of the most iconic songs of the decade.
Meanwhile, in country music, crossover success continued to be a major trend. Kenny Rogers scored another massive hit with "Islands in the Stream," his duet with Dolly Parton, written by the Bee Gees. The song topped both the country and pop charts, exemplifying how country music was reaching broader audiences by embracing pop sensibilities. Alabama had a hit with "Dixieland Delight," blending Southern rock and traditional country, while George Strait further solidified his role as a country powerhouse with "A Fire I Can’t Put Out."
This year marked a significant shift in both pop and country, with genres borrowing from each other, resulting in a dynamic and evolving musical landscape. Pop leaned into new wave and synth sounds, while country embraced crossover appeal, allowing artists from both genres to reach broader and more diverse audiences.
Television
TV Programming Overview of 1983
In 1983, American television offered a dynamic mix of beloved favorites and fresh programming that reflected the cultural shifts of the time. Sitcoms like Cheers, which gained traction after its debut the previous year, Family Ties, and The Jeffersons were staples of prime-time viewing. MASH* continued to captivate audiences as it approached its final seasons, blending humor with poignant social commentary. Meanwhile, prime-time soap operas such as Dallas, Dynasty, and Falcon Crest dominated evening schedules with their dramatic twists and cliffhangers, building on the serialized storytelling style that had become a central part of weekly TV.
Action-adventure shows also thrived, with Magnum, P.I. continuing its success and newcomers like The A-Team and Knight Rider quickly becoming cultural phenomena. Miniseries and TV movies maintained their significance, with The Winds of War standing out as one of the year’s most-watched events. Game shows like Wheel of Fortune and The Price Is Right remained daytime staples, providing accessible and interactive entertainment for a wide range of viewers. For younger audiences, Saturday morning cartoons like The Smurfs, Scooby-Doo, and the newly popular He-Man and the Masters of the Universe shaped weekend routines and fueled the booming market for toy-related media.
News and sports programming also played pivotal roles in 1983. Major events such as the U.S. invasion of Grenada, Cold War developments, and the space shuttle missions dominated news coverage, with television serving as the public’s primary source for real-time updates. Sports programming reached new heights with Super Bowl XVII drawing record audiences, solidifying football’s role as a major cultural event. By blending diverse programming like sitcoms, action series, miniseries, cartoons, and live events, 1983 marked a vibrant and transformative year in American television history.
Movies
In 1983, American cinema produced a wide range of memorable films that have since become iconic. Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi concluded the original Star Wars trilogy with an epic finale, thrilling fans and solidifying the saga’s place in pop culture history. Scarface, directed by Brian De Palma and starring Al Pacino, delivered an intense crime drama that has since become a cult classic, known for its bold style and memorable quotes. National Lampoon’s Vacation, a comedy about a dysfunctional family road trip, brought humor to the trials of family travel and established a beloved franchise. A Christmas Story became an instant holiday favorite, with its humorous and nostalgic look at a young boy’s holiday wishes. Meanwhile, The Big Chill offered a thoughtful portrayal of friendship and life changes among a group of college friends reuniting years later.
Here is a list of some popular movies from 1983:
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi
Scarface
National Lampoon’s Vacation
A Christmas Story
The Big Chill
Terms of Endearment
WarGames
Trading Places
Octopussy
Flashdance
These films spanned genres from sci-fi and crime drama to holiday comedy and heartfelt drama, each capturing the essence of the early ‘80s and making a lasting mark on audiences. 1983 produced classics that continue to be enjoyed and celebrated across generations.
Styles
Fashion Trends:
Neon Colors - Bright pinks, greens, and yellows dominated wardrobes and accessories.
Parachute Pants - Tight-fitting, shiny nylon pants became a symbol of breakdancing culture.
Leg Warmers - A fitness-inspired trend worn both for workouts and casual fashion.
Oversized Sweaters - Often paired with leggings for a cozy yet stylish look.
Jean Jackets - A must-have item, often adorned with patches or pins.
Mini Skirts - Made a comeback, paired with tights for a layered look.
Shoulder Pads - Popular in jackets and blouses for a power dressing aesthetic.
Headbands and Sweatbands - Fitness wear turned casual, inspired by aerobics and Flashdance.
Slouch Socks - Layered and scrunched over leggings or jeans.
Band T-Shirts - Showcasing favorite rock or pop bands was trendy and personal.
Hairstyles:
Big Hair - Teased and voluminous, requiring lots of hairspray.
Side Ponytails - A quirky and playful look, often secured with a scrunchie.
Mullets - "Business in the front, party in the back" was still in style.
Crimped Hair - Achieved with crimping irons for a zigzag texture.
Bleached Tips - Popular among men as a nod to the surfer look.
Pop Culture Fads:
Cabbage Patch Kids - The must-have doll of the year, sparking a shopping frenzy.
Rubik’s Cube - Still hugely popular, with competitions and accessories.
Breakdancing - A street dance craze fueled by hip-hop culture.
Pac-Man Fever - The arcade game remained a cultural icon, along with its spin-offs.
Swatch Watches - Colorful, interchangeable watches became a hit accessory.
Trapper Keepers - Stylish school binders with bold, graphic designs.
Choose Your Own Adventure Books - Interactive storytelling captivated young readers.
Toys and Games:
G.I. Joe Action Figures - Relaunched with a modern, smaller design.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe - Toys and the animated series dominated children’s media.
My Little Pony - A favorite for young girls, with toys, playsets, and cartoons.
Care Bears - Plush toys and related merchandise gained widespread popularity.
Atari 2600 Games - Titles like Pitfall! and Frogger were fan favorites.
Lite-Brite - A creative light-up toy still widely enjoyed.
Music and Entertainment:
Michael Jackson’s Thriller - Dominated the charts and MTV with iconic music videos.
New Wave Music - Artists like The Police, Duran Duran, and Culture Club gained popularity.
MTV - Music videos became a central part of pop culture, influencing fashion and trends.
Madonna - Her debut album and bold style set the stage for a new era of pop stardom.
Flashdance Soundtrack - Songs like "What a Feeling" influenced music and fashion trends.
Lionel Richie - His smooth ballads made him a household name.
Lifestyle Trends:
Aerobics - Jane Fonda’s workout videos kept fitness at the forefront of lifestyle trends.
Roller Skating - A fun and social activity that remained popular in rinks and neighborhoods.
Walkmans - Personal music players allowed for portable music enjoyment.
Recycling Awareness - The environmental movement gained traction in schools and communities.
Microwave Cooking - Quick and easy meals became a household staple.
Technology and Gadgets:
Commodore 64 - A popular home computer for gaming and programming.
Sony Walkman - The go-to portable cassette player for music lovers.
Boom Boxes - Still a staple for music enthusiasts and breakdancers.
Digital Watches - Multifunctional watches with LED displays were trendy.
VHS Players - Becoming more common, making home video viewing accessible.
Sports and Recreation:
Super Bowl XVII - Drew massive audiences and became a cultural event.
BMX Biking - Kids and teens loved performing stunts and tricks.
Trampoline Parks - Recreational facilities gained popularity for active fun.
Fishing and Camping - Outdoor hobbies maintained their appeal.
Cultural Touchstones:
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi - Released in 1983, concluding the original trilogy.
E.T. Merchandise - Toys, lunchboxes, and clothing inspired by the film were still big.
Reading The Color Purple - Alice Walker’s novel resonated culturally.
Scarface - The film gained a cult following, influencing pop culture and style.
Arcade Games - Dragon’s Lair introduced interactive animation in gaming.
Printed Matter
World Events
1983 was marked by significant global events that reflected the ongoing geopolitical tensions of the Cold War. In October, the U.S. invasion of Grenada, aimed at overthrowing a Marxist regime and countering Soviet influence in the Caribbean, drew both support and criticism internationally. The same month, tragedy struck in the Middle East with the Beirut barracks bombing, where suicide bombers killed over 300 U.S. and French military personnel, prompting the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Lebanon. Earlier in September, Cold War tensions escalated further when Korean Air Lines Flight 007 was shot down by Soviet fighter jets after straying into Soviet airspace, killing all 269 passengers.
In the realm of technology, 1983 saw the introduction of the first commercially available mobile phones by Motorola, marking a milestone in the evolution of communication. The computer revolution also advanced with the debut of the Apple Lisa, one of the first personal computers to feature a graphical user interface, setting the stage for modern computing. These innovations signaled the beginning of a new era in personal and professional connectivity.
Culturally, Michael Jackson's Thriller dominated the music charts, solidifying his status as a global icon and reshaping the music industry with its record-breaking success. These developments, spanning geopolitical conflict, technological breakthroughs, and cultural milestones, highlighted the complexity and transformative nature of 1983, a year that bridged the past and the future.
The Resulting Art
Larry Hunt Mailbox, March 1983.
Presentation: Lettering on a mailbox.
Medium: Acrylic on metal.
Notable art techniques:
—.
Inspirations:
—.
Comments:
Drawn free-hand.
Fighting Unicorns, 1983.
Presentation: Two unicorns, one with a broken horn, fight each other.
Medium: Pencil on paper.
Notable art techniques:
Delicate pencil shading.
Inspirations:
Fantasy themes were prominent during this time period.
Comments:
From a published photo.
Photo courtesy of Tim Gonzales.
Drawn free-hand.
Rainbow Zebra, 1983.
[No Image Available.]
Presentation: The head and neck of a zebra with the black stripes being each a color of the rainbow.
Medium: Watercolor.
Notable art techniques:
—.
Inspirations:
The Fruit Stripes gum zebra.
Comments:
Drawn free-hand.
Fever, 1983.
[No Image Available]
Presentation: A collage of distorted and evil-looking faces melting into one another.
Medium: Lead pencil on paper.
Notable art techniques:
Shading.
Inspirations:
—.
Comments:
Was part of a Bradshaw Mountain High School art show presented in the school library.
Drawn free-hand.
The Piper, 1983.
[Image not available.]
Presentation: A satyr plays a flute in front of a chasm with a stairway rising to heaven.
Medium: Ink on paper.
Notable art techniques:
Cross-hatching.
Inspirations:
A visual representation of Led Zeppelin’s song Stairway to Heaven.
Comments:
Drawn free-hand.
Phoenix Welcomes Iron Maiden, 1983.
[No image available.]
Presentation: The Iron Maiden mascot Eddie from Piece of Mind. Included hand-drawn text above and below the artwork.
Medium: Acrylic on cloth.
Notable art techniques:
—.
Inspirations:
Reference for artwork was the album cover Piece of Mind.
Comments:
Read story about artwork here.
Drawn free-hand.
Title, 1983.
[Image. Remember to add caption.]
Presentation: Describe the subject of the art.
Medium: Type.
Notable art techniques:
Ex: Cross-hatching.
Inspirations:
Possibly this, or definitely this (Include footnote or link).
Comments:
Viewpoint and memories about the art.
Projected and traced. Drawn free-hand.
© L.HUNT
THERE’S MORE TO THIS STORY!
The fully illustrated, printed book Finding My Way In the Art World: Book Thirteen, 1983 is available HERE.
Finding My Way In the Art World Soundtrack: Book Thirteen, 1983 is available HERE.
The Songs:
FIGURES CROSS-REFERENCED WITH ARCHIVAL NOTES
This section lists every figure published in this book alongside its corresponding archival note number for research and catalog reference. Archival Note numbers refer to the permanent catalog maintained by L.HUNT.
(SAMPLE PLACEHOLDER)
Book 01: Finding My Way In the Art World, 1966-1971
Figure 01.001 – AN-21.004
Early sketch of abstract form, 2003
ARCHIVAL NOTES FOR BOOKS 1–13 This section contains cataloged references to all figures, uncut home movie QR codes, and supporting materials spanning the first thirteen books of this series. Each entry is labeled with a unique archival number for cross-reference in the index.
Archival Note AN 1.001
Uncut Super 8 footage, March 1966. Family at Eagle Mountain trailer. Related edited video: Fig. 1.018.
CONTINUE READING THE BOOK:
Chapter 14: 1984
Life Events | Merchandise | Music | Television | Movies | Styles | Printed Matter | World Events | The Resulting Art
