Back in 1938, Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann synthesised LSD for the first time. But it wasn’t until a few decades later that the drug would go mainstream and change forever the artistic, musical, and social landscape, especially in the United States. It was a pillar of the hippie movement, of the 1960s’ spirit, and of new music genres, especially rock and folk. Until the 15th of June, the Portland Art Museum hosts the exhibition Psychedelic Rock Posters and Fashion of the 1960s, which celebrates the explosion of creativity induced by a new generation that desired freedom above all.
The ‘60s were probably one of the most influential decades of the last century, and their youthful, funky style still resonates today — remember it was back then that Mary Quant introduced the world to the revolutionary mini skirt. Pop became mainstream (thank you, The Beatles), and so did rock (even if Elvis had already been around for years, the 1960s cemented the genre). It was an exciting time, and the art reflected that. The PAM’s exhibition brings together more than two hundred rock posters, including work by the so-called ‘big five’ designers of the day: Rick Griffin, Alton Kelley, Victor Moscoso, Stanley Mouse, and Wes Wilson.
Inspired by Art Nouveau, Victorian-era engraving, and Wild West posters, the designers invented a new language that was loud, vibrant, and cool. And it was all happening in the Haight-Ashbury neighbourhood in San Francisco, which became an incubator for ideas, expression, social thought, and, naturally, music. Fashion also played a massive role, which is why the exhibit combines both — to understand better what the times were like.
The exhibition Psychedelic Rock Posters and Fashion of the 1960s, curated by Mary Weaver Chapin, is on view until the 15th of June at the Portland Art Museum, 1219 SW Park Ave. Portland, US.
