The Influence Of 1970s Aesthetics On Contemporary Festival Trends
Festivals have become an integral part of modern society, serving as cultural celebrations, music concerts, and art exhibitions. These events bring together people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate and appreciate various forms of entertainment. However, have you ever wondered where the inspiration for these festivals comes from? The 1970s may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it has significantly influenced contemporary festival trends. The decade saw the rise of significant cultural developments with its vibrant, expressive, and colorful aesthetic. In this article, we will explore the influence of 1970s aesthetics on modern-day festivals.
The Rise of 1970s Aesthetics
The 1970s were a decade of radical change, with the United States experiencing the end of the Vietnam War, the rise of the feminist movement, and the beginning of the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. These cultural movements sparked a desire for individualism and expression, which heavily influenced the aesthetics of the time. The 1970s were a colorful and lively era, with the hippie and disco culture dominating the scene. These two subcultures represented an anti-establishment and rebellious mindset and promoted freedom, love, and self-expression.
Hippie Culture and Festivals
The hippie culture and festivals of the 1970s were heavily influenced by the free-spirited and experimental mindset of the decade. These festivals, such as Woodstock and Glastonbury, were a form of escapism, where people could let go of their daily struggles and immerse themselves in music, art, and nature. The hippie movement promoted a laid-back and relaxed attitude that translated into the festivals’ atmosphere.
The aesthetic of the hippie culture was characterized by flowy, colorful clothing, and bold prints, inspired by Native American and Eastern cultures. This unconventional fashion sense has been a prominent feature in modern-day festivals, with attendees often sporting similar attire, embracing the hippie culture’s rebellious and carefree spirit.
Disco Culture and Festivals
Another significant influence on contemporary festival trends is the disco culture of the 1970s. Disco, a genre of music heavily influenced by funk, soul, and Latin rhythms, became the soundtrack of the decade. It was a time of flamboyant fashion, flashy colors, and shimmery textures. This vibrant and extravagant aesthetic was mirrored in the discothèques, where people would gather for dancing and entertainment.
Today, festivals often have dedicated stages or areas for disco-themed events, with attendees donning disco-inspired outfits. The disco aesthetic’s vibrant and flashy nature is also prominent in festival decorations, with colorful lights and installations creating a disco-infused atmosphere.
The Influence of 1970s Aesthetics on Modern Festivals
The 1970s aesthetic has been revived and celebrated in modern-day festivals, with its impact seen in all aspects, ranging from fashion, music, and art to food and decorations. The rebellious and carefree mindset of the 1970s has transcended time, as festivals continue to serve as a form of escapism for people from their mundane daily lives.
The 1970s inspired aesthetic can also be seen in festival marketing and branding. Bold, vibrant colors and retro-inspired designs have become a popular choice for festival posters and promotional materials, serving as a nod to the decade’s influence.
Fashion
The fashion at contemporary festivals is heavily influenced by the 1970s aesthetic, with a colorful and eclectic mix of styles that pay homage to both the hippie and disco culture. Flowy, bohemian dresses, wide-legged pants, and bell-bottoms are often spotted, along with bold prints and colors. The festival scene has become a place for people to experiment with their style and express themselves freely, similar to the 1970s fashion scene.
Music
Music festivals today feature a diverse range of genres, but the influence of the 1970s is still evident in many of them. Indie and rock festivals often have a touch of 1970s rock and roll, while electronic and dance festivals incorporate disco-inspired beats into their music. The iconic music of the 1970s continues to inspire and influence new generations of musicians and festival-goers.
Art and Decorations
The psychedelic and colorful artwork that adorned the 1970s era has found its way into contemporary festivals. The use of bright and bold colors, trippy patterns, and neon lights create an otherworldly ambiance, providing festival-goers with a sensory experience. Art installations and live painting performances have also become a staple in many festivals today, similar to the vibrant art culture of the 1970s.
The Impact of 1970s Aesthetics on Festival-Goers
The influence of the 1970s on contemporary festivals goes beyond just aesthetics. The decade’s cultural developments have, and continue to, shape people’s outlook on life, and this is evident in the festival culture. The desire for individualism and self-expression, along with the pursuit of freedom and love, are all values that are celebrated and encouraged at modern festivals, echoing the hippie culture of the 1970s.
Moreover, festivals, much like their 1970s counterparts, have also become a platform for social and political movements. From climate change awareness to LGBTQ+ rights, festivals have become a place for people to come together and advocate for change, similar to the social movements of the 1970s.
In Conclusion
The 1970s may have been a long time ago, but its influence on contemporary festival trends is undeniable. Its vibrant, rebellious, and expressive aesthetic has stood the test of time, continuing to inspire and shape modern-day festivals. From fashion and music to art and decor, the 1970s has left a lasting mark on festival culture, and it is unlikely to fade away anytime soon.
So the next time you attend a festival, take a moment to appreciate the 1970s aesthetic that surrounds you and its enduring impact on contemporary festival trends.
