Psychedelia
In the 1960s an artistic movement was introduced known as Psychedelia which had surfaced in America. Psychedelia was associated in every form, music, art and fashion. During this period there were many young adults, or baby boomers that learnt about the war that had taken place before their existence and sought for peace, freedom and love. It is during this period that these subculture groups became peace activists such as feminist and black movements and worked together to tackle the issue of discrimination. This youth movement were referred to as hippies who advocated a simpler lifestyle by talking about social and political issues they wished to be resolved.
The term Psychedelia was related to the hallucinatory drugs such as LSD and this movement focused on capturing the essence of these drugs when under the influence which appeared to be:
Intense colour,
some illegible curvy calligraphy
flowing swirls which were similar to that of Art Nouveau.
This substance was a popular drug consumed by these young individuals who channelled a mystical and spiritual experience. The art presented was just a reflection, expressing the sensations and images they witnessed while they were ‘tripping out’.
The bright vibrant colours were also inspired by the Pop Art Movement.
Many band posters and t shirts were influenced by this movement. Some influential designers were Miller and Moscoso.
Stanley Miller or ‘Mouse’, his nickname that he later referred to himself as, since he always autographed his sketches with an image of a rodent, always attracted trouble. After being expelled from high school and being disinterested in the next school, he began to create promotional posters at his new job at the Family Dog. He experimented with imagery and composition and delivered designs
which were his collaborator’s ideas which were always whimsical and contained imagery with double meanings. Together with his collaborator Alton Kelley, they formulated their psychedelic style which echoed the hippie culture with the use of commercial imagery.
Their Steve Miller’s ‘Book of Dreams’ is a true representation of this period by including a fantastical creature, a Pegasus flying with its colourful wings.
Another designer was the Spanish artist, Victor Moscoso who actually had a background of training in art. When he began designing rock posters, he was remembered for creating his optical illusions and opposing colours to acquire attention
This period brought needed changes to our culture however their art, in my opinion was very unappealing. I did not like this period because just looking at these images gives me a headache, there are so many swirls and bright colours that it is very hard to focus on and appreciate anything without getting dizzy or an eyesore.