The Radical Art That Was Popular In The 80s – Now You Can Find It In The Thrift Store

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The 1980s overflowed with big hair, synth-fueled pop music, and shoulder pads. At the heart of the era was a fascination with glamour and maximalism. Home decor had oodles of personality with a mix of geometric shapes, clashing patterns, and Memphis-style designs. The '80s were unapologetic, especially when it came to art. One artist stood out for defining a generation, and even if you don't recognize his name, you've likely seen his work.

Considered a groundbreaking artist, Patrick Nagel's designs featured bold illustrations of contemporary women with porcelain skin, high cheekbones, bright red lips, and jet-black hair, aptly dubbed the "Nagel Woman." His distinctive style captured the spirit of 1980s glamour and became a sign of the era. Featured in Playboy from 1975 until his death in 1984, Nagel designed nearly 300 different works for the magazine. But it was his take on how Duran Duran's "Rio" looked as she danced across the sand that put him on our radar, and we've been fans ever since. The album cover sits at No. 20 on Billboard's list of the best covers of all time, thanks to Nagel's iconic female. Heavily influenced by Art Deco, Nagel's '80s pin-up-style prints marked a move away from his style from the 1970s. The '80s illustrations portrayed sophisticated, powerful, and confident females.

Nagel's graphic art was a perfect match for a generation raised on MTV and supermodels. If you want to bring that vibe into your home, it might just be one trip to the thrift store away.

Thrift stores can be the perfect place to find valuable vintage '80s wall art, if you know what you're looking for. Since his death, Patrick Nagel's estate has continued to release prints, so there are tons floating around, making your chances of grabbing one relatively good. While you probably won't find an original Nagel, you're likely to see reprints and posters. Depending on the size and condition, some can be worth $200 or more. According to Nagel biographer Rob Frankel, most prints reproduced after his death aren't as valuable, but don't let that stop you. If you absolutely adore the look of a Nagel piece you come across, don't worry about whether it will go up in price because it won't. Instead, focus on the cool aesthetic it will undoubtedly give to your walls.

Any era of ​Nagel's graphic art can make an indoor scene instantly pop, especially when that space has a minimalist edge. Thanks to Nagel's use of fine lines and contrasting colors, a single framed poster can be the statement-making focal point in your living or dining room. If you have a smaller area, like an entryway, a bold, dramatic Nagel can add character without dominating the room. ​Remember, the next time you're thrifting, keep an eye out for those weird vintage art prints because you never know how valuable they are.