Psychedelic Rock Posters and Fashion of the 1960s

Explore 1960s psychedelic culture through more than 200 rock posters and vintage fashion, featuring works by Spanish artist Victor Moscoso and other iconic designers.

The exhibition Psychedelic Rock Posters and Fashion of the 1960s presents a comprehensive look at the visual culture of the psychedelic era, focusing on iconic rock posters from San Francisco and beyond. It features over 200 rock posters, including works by the “big five” designers: Rick Griffin, Alton Kelley, Victor Moscoso, Stanley Mouse, and Wes Wilson. Spanish artist Victor Moscoso’s contributions are notably included in the exhibition.

The posters display a unique graphic language designed to capture the excitement of rock concerts. They incorporate elements from Art Nouveau, Wild West posters, and Victorian engraving, all enhanced by vibrant colors and innovative lettering. Other talented artists, such as Bonnie MacLean and Bob “Raphael” Schnepf, are also featured.

The exhibition goes beyond posters, showcasing around 20 vintage fashion pieces that embody the psychedelic aesthetic. These items, which include embroidered denim and velvet garments, demonstrate how fashion both mirrored and influenced the visual style of the era.

Drawing primarily from the Portland Art Museum’s collection, which includes a significant donation from Gary Westford, the exhibition is supplemented by key loans to provide a comprehensive visual narrative of the psychedelic period.