Visual Trips: The Psychedelic Poster Movement in San Francisco

Artists:

CoraLie

Stanley Mouse

Judge Co.

Victor Moscoso

Wes Wilson

Alton Kelley

John Lennon

Grace Shlick

Timothy Leary

Bob Seidemann

Bob Schnepf

Lee Conklin

George Hunter

Norman Hartweg

Soot Productions

Rick Shubb

Rick Griffin

Greg Irons

Berner

Gut

Michael Bowen

Mari Tepper

Rick Griffin

Bonnie MacLean

Jim Blashfield

Greg Irons

David Singer

Robert Fried

The Psychedelic Poster Movement in the San Francisco Bay Area was a powerfully visionary, exploratory, and significant force in the shaping of modern ways of seeing. Its eye-popping experiments in color, design, and multi-dimensionality are among its most noteworthy contributions to the development of contemporary art and visual culture.  This exhibition traces the psychedelic poster from its early evolution in the mid-60s through its apogee in 1967-69, during which time, some of the boldest and most visually astounding experiments in the history of the poster were produced in the San Francisco area.

The artistry of the psychedelic poster is celebrated through an examination and display of its artistic influences, concepts, processes, and highlights. Examining the interwoven cultural jam of psychedelia, identity, draft resistance, spirituality, commerce, and rock music, this exhibition explores the broader aesthetic and cultural resonance of the psychedelic poster.  The contexts in which the psychedelic poster emerged and flourished are illustrated through major works and lesser-known posters and related printing ephemera. A generous loan of previously unseen materials, including original drawings, acetates, page-proofs, and printing plates allows this exhibit to trace the process of offset lithograph printing from idea to poster.

Many of these works have never been displayed in public before. Artists such as Wes Wilson, Victor Moscoso, Rick Griffin, Stanley Mouse, Alton Kelley, Lee Conklin, Bonnie MacLean, Bob Schnepf and Mari Tepper are abundantly represented through many of their finer and most famous works. Visual Trips takes us on a mind-blowing, eye-melting journey, following the white rabbit to San Francisco in its hippie heyday.

To view a wide selection of posters visit Classic Posters and Wolfgang’s Vault.

Events:

Screen Printing Workshop

It’s Homecoming & Family Weekend at DU! Come visit us during our extended hours from 10-7 PM on Friday, October 31 and Saturday, November 1. Print your own psychedelic T-shirt designed by Wes Wilson for DU on November 1 from 12-7 PM. There will be an array of bright colors and both men’s and women’s sizes are available. $15 per T-shirt.

Artist Lecture: Wes Wilson and Lee Conklin

Enjoy a panel discussion with iconic poster artists, Wes Wilson and Lee Conklin, who are featured in the Visual Trips exhibition currently on view at the Vicki Myhren Gallery. Take a break from work to meet the artists for a panel discussion in the Reiman Theater from 3 to 4:30 PM on November 15. Then head over to see Visual Trips before it closes on November 16, and partake in some fun fall snacks during a study break reception from 4:30 to 5:30 PM. The event is free and open to everyone!