Following a spectacular debut in the 1970's, Helnwein went on in the decade that followed to draw his subject matter extensively from popular culture. He tackled the urgent issues of the day. He confronted the problems that preoccupied people and gave nurture to their dreams. Taking idols such as James Dean and Clint Eastwood, or subjects such as rape, clinical deformity in a monstrous society, or suicide, Helnwein touched the nerve of the age and laid it bare for all to see.