In a nutshell: Hippies, rock and revolution were what the 1960s were about—volcanic eruptions of ideas, opinions and tension. A bubbling crockpot of furious reds and searing yellows, bold colors that boiled over into swirling streams, with no choice but to converge within every nook and cranny of our country's consciousness.
Legendary artist John Van Hamersveld was ready and waiting to siphon this elusive energy via the major highlights of music and politics in mainstream society.
His poster design for the classic surf documentary Endless Summerstands the test of time as one of the many beacons of Southern California culture—a beautiful neon portrait of life and finding that perfect wave all year round.
But it doesn't stop there.
Even Hamersveld's credentials are endless. Other works of art under his belt include the Los Angeles Coliseum mural commemorating the 1984 Olympic games and a masterpiece of a rock poster for Jimi Hendrix. And with a bountiful collection of album-cover-art designs (well more than 300) for the likes of the Rolling Stones, Blondie and the Beatles, Hamersveld's influence is ageless.
So dust off the lava lamp, break out the record player, and hide the stash from Mom. That psychedelic poster you've had hanging proudly in your garage for years really is fine art.
John Van Hamersveld at the Surf Gallery, 911 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, (949) 376-9155; www.thesurfgallery.com . Sat.-Sun., noon-6 p.m., or by appointment. Through Sept. 13.
