In the 1980s, Bruce Nauman's art evolved in complexity, employing more elaborate setups and adopting a more caustic tone. This period is marked by significant works that continued to explore Nauman's interests in surveillance, physical stress, communication, and the role of the artist as a revelatory communicator. One of the key pieces from this era is "Clown Torture" (1987), a video installation that juxtaposes humorous imagery with discomforting scenarios, creating a disconcerting experience for viewers. This work reflects Nauman's ongoing exploration of repetition, surveillance, and the manipulation of viewer emotions through direct engagement with the artwork​ (The Art Story)​. Another significant work from the 1980s is "Good Boy Bad Boy" (1985), which consisted of two videos on pedestals with actors delivering lines with increasing emotion. This piece highlights Nauman's interest in language and communication, exploring the thin line between public and private experiences and the performative aspects of language. The repetitive delivery of lines by the actors, who express emotions that are not genuinely theirs, creates a complex dialogue about authenticity and representation​ (UO Blogs)​. "Vices and Virtues" (1988) is a neon installation that broadcasts conflicting messages on a building's façade. This work returns to Nauman's use of neon to engage with language, showcasing his interest in societal and industrial implications through the juxtaposition of virtues and vices. The installation reflects on the role of the artist as a communicator within the broader context of culture and advertising​ (UO Blogs)​. Throughout the 1980s, Nauman's works, such as "Violins Violence Silence" (1981-1982) and "One Hundred Live and Die" (1984), continued to employ neon and video to probe deeper into the themes of language, identity, and the human condition. These works underscore Nauman's multifaceted approach to art, blending conceptual rigor with material innovation to explore the possibilities of communication and the experience of art​ (Art21)​. By creating environments that require viewer participation and confronting societal norms through language and performance, Nauman's work from the 1980s contributed significantly to the dialogue around contemporary art, pushing the boundaries of how art is experienced and understood.