| Availability: | In stock |
This lined notebook features Jefferson Airplane, 1966, by Wes Wilson.
This poster promotes the iconic bands Jefferson Airplane and The Grateful Dead, sharing the billing for a 1966 show. Wes Wilson, the renowned graphic artist behind this design, described his approach as "visual poetry set into poster formats." He favored bold colors to complement the psychedelic light shows that illuminated performances at the Fillmore Auditorium and its rival, the Avalon Ballroom.
A particularly American phenomenon, the psychedelic style (1966–72) emerged on the West Coast and quickly became a signifier of youth counterculture. Inspired by the use of hallucinogens, the designs combine contrasting colors with nearly illegible, swirling text—supposedly best viewed when high. In many cases, the compositions are so complex that some viewers cannot decipher them at first glance, bucking the idea that posters must be instantly and universally comprehensible. Many of the artists also draw on Art Nouveau and Victorian motifs. Contrary to popular myth, all of these posters were printed using photo-offset lithography—the cheapest method of mass printing at the time.
Wes Wilson (1937–2020) was an influential American artist renowned for his pioneering work in psychedelic poster art during the 1960s and 1970s. Best known for his iconic designs for Bill Graham's concerts at The Fillmore in San Francisco, his innovative use of typography, vibrant colors, and earthy imagery became synonymous with the peace movement and the vibrant counterculture of the era. His "psychedelic" font creation in 1966 revolutionized poster design, imbuing letters with fluidity and movement. Inspired by the Art Nouveau movement, his posters for legendary musicians remain emblematic of the Haight-Ashbury scene. Beyond poster art, Wilson made significant contributions to underground comix and album cover design, rightfully earning him the title "The Father Of Psychedelic Poster Design."
Printed by Laughing Elephant in Seattle, WA. Paperback, measures 7.25 x 5.5 inches, 24 lined pages. ISBN 9781514916940
