reversing into the future: new wave graphics

Andrew Krivine
Hardback | 336 pages
Publication date 21 Dec 2021

Reversing into the Future: New Wave Graphics 1977-1990 is a unique and fascinating book of graphic design history curated from Andrew Krivine's personal and vast collection of original posters, flyers, artworks and memorabilia from the golden age of New Wave.

Packed with exclusive artworks and expert texts, this is the comprehensive guide to the unforgettable period of New Wave. Having witnessed an emerging generation of music buyers who'd been energised by punk, major record labels and independents alike went in search of sounds and visions that captured something of the energy and cheeky attitude of punk, while ignoring its political edge. New Wave was embraced by the mainstream music and entertainment industries and used to promote artists who rejected the anti-consumerist, anti-materialistic, black-and-white nihilism of the original punk movement in favour of a more optimistic, humorous and colourful present refracted through the past. In doing so, and as this book illustrates, the New Wave followed Marshall McLuhan's dictum that 'we drive boldly into the future with our eyes fixed firmly on the rear-view mirror'. New Wave artists rejected punk's satirical, parodic and irreverent treatment of rock 'n' roll's original, iconic imagery preferring to display it reverently or referenced with love and affection.