Wes Wilson (American, b. 1937) Grass Roots, Sons of Adam, Big Brother & The Holding Co. Avalon Ballroom, April 29-30, 1966. Silkscreen Concert poster. Collection of Houston Freeburg

MEMPHIS.- During the sixties, the counterculture engaged in a rebellion against the norms of their parents. Nearly everything was questioned and challenged, including traditional authority, government, the Vietnam War, racial relations, and the arms race. Women’s and gay rights were championed as was the legalization of drugs. The music of the era reflected these concerns with concerts sometimes functioning as political forums as much as musical events. For example, Country Joe and The Fish condemned the war, and James Brown sang about black pride.

The posters designed to advertise these concerts became collector’s items even before the events took place. Inspired by Art Nouveau, Surrealism, Dada, Pop art, and comic books, they were an exotic blend of typography, collage elements, bright colors, and distinctive iconography. The forty examples on loan from Houston Freeburg include posters for Jimi Hendrix, Big Brother and the Holding Company, Jefferson Airplane, Beatles, Grateful Dead, Otis Redding, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Who, Rolling Stones, and Buddy Miles designed by such artists as Wes Wilson, Victor Moscoso, Stanley Mouse & Alton Kelley, and Rick Griffin. Also included is a selection of black light posters that will be exhibited in black light. Together, the two series provide a brief look at a tumultuous period of history that continues to resonate.

Psychedelia: Rock ‘n’ Roll Posters, 1965-70 is curated by Chief Curator Marina Pacini and Preparator Richard Gamble. It is on view until August 24, 2008.

Victor Moscoso (American, b. 1936), The Chambers Brothers, Matrix, March 28-April 6, 1967. Silkscreen Concert poster. Collection of Houston Freeburg.