The 60s Haight-Ashbury scene was tremendously influential in a number of ways from the anti-war protests to the musical talent that filled the bills of groundbreaking and infamous festivals. More specifically, The Grateful Dead ,who lived there, pioneered “jam” music, challenged the idea of what a live performance could be, and advanced sonic technology by employing such unorthodox ideas and equipment as their overwhelmingly massive “the wall of sound” speaker set up created by legendary audio engineer and famed LSD manufacturer, Owsley “Bear” Stanley. But part of what the Dead is also known for is their iconic imagery honed by artists like Alton Kelley, Stanley Mouse, and Rick Griffin. Along with fellow artists like Wes Wilson and Victor Moscoso, these were the figures that helped develop the psychedelic poster scene out of the Bay Area at the time, as well; designing rock posters for Family Dog and Bill Graham Presents events and various other concerts that took place at historic venues like the Fillmore Auditorium and Avalon Ballroom. This is why it makes perfect sense that the Haight Street Art Center is hosting a group exhibit featuring 4 modern day heavy hitters who continue the push the envelope with mind expanding poster art of their own.

This Saturday, October 15th, the art space will host an opening reception for Family Devalues: A Poster Show featuring the work of Jermaine Rogers, Marq Spusta (Spusta Studio), Miles Tsang and zoltron, a crew that displays some overlap in clients — Primus and Ween, in particular — and some unifying subject manner, from time to time, yet entirely different approaches and very unique, individual aesthetics.

The following information comes via the gallery

“In a world of chaos and uncertainty, where legends pass into the unknown and orange tyrants rule the world, four prolific artist’s futures depend on their collaborative abilities and creative fortitude, to combat the evils of the universe by manifesting hand printed parchments containing knife-brandishing bunnies, fungi-laiden visionary landscapes, fantastic ethereal spirit animals, and pony-tail wielding nuclear-reactive skeleton girls.

Their judgment, loyalty and courage, along with lots of silkscreen posters and other such creative endeavors, will be on full display. Be prepared to immerse yourself in a world of Family Devalues… Screen Prints, Gig Posters, Original Art, Rare Designer Toys, Street Art and Coin Operated Machinery, Exclusive Items, Defaced Rarities and Unannounced Treasures. Schmooze with like-minded individuals, lose your mind to the great unknown, and eat lots of Cheese and Crackers.

Exclusive, limited edition, artist-signed handbills, printed on-site, will be given to the first 50 people in the door. A life-size wax statue of Miles Tsang may or may not be available for VIP dinner parties, and 75%-100% of artists will be in attendance.”

Beyond just their concert prints, this show should feature original art, production work, three-dimensional pieces and more. If you’re in the area, we recommend trying to hit up the opening reception, if possible. While the exhibit will be on display for a month, this should be a special event and, considering their client base and the location, you never know who might show up for the reception from the art and/or music world and beyond. Plus, based strictly on Zoltron‘s social media alone, it appears that he’s going all out for this thing, re-purposing the characters and imagery from his WEEN poster created for their shows at The Edgefield in Troutdale, Oregon last month.

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Check out a selection of preview images below, after the following event details.

WHAT:

Family Devalues
A Poster Show

WHEN:

Opening Reception:
Saturday, September 15th, 2018
7pm-9pm

WHERE:

Haight Street Art Center
215 Haight Street
San Francisco , CA 94102
1 (415) 363-6150

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Opening is all ages
Exhibit runs until Monday, October 15th
Gallery hours:
Thursday: 12-8pm
Friday: 12-6pm
Saturday: 12-8pm
Sunday: 12-6pm

Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/999442303513648/