Poster Madness

Ah, gig posters. The art form that gained most of its popularity in the LSD driven subculture of the late 60s is alive and well today. Though the contemporary work is not consistently psychedelic, the inspired D.I.Y aesthetic of artists like Stanley Mouse (see 13th Floor Elevators print; right) and the psychedelic movement has not been abandoned by younger generations. Local artists Lindsey Kuhn and Jeff Holland (our very own Uncle Jeff of Route 78 West) are a prime examples (See Cramps for Kuhn; Dick Dale/Mermen for Holland; on next page).

If you are interested in seeing more of the prints that continue to inspire silkscreen and poster artists today head down to The Denver Art Museum where "The Psychedelic Experience: Rock Posters from the San Francisco Bay Area, 1965-1971" exhibit is currently running.

A friend once suggested to me that posters were not "art" because they were promotional materials, advertisements. I don't think she could have been more wrong, but spend some time on the Gigposters.com forum and decide for yourself.