Rock Art Wednesday-Wes Wilson
Posted by T Rex on November 28, 2007
For this weeks Rock Art Wednesday I’m proud to feature the pioneer and originator of the well known psychedelic style from the 1960′s, Wes Wilson. In the late 60′s weekly dance concerts were happening at the Avalon Ballroom and Bill Graham’s Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco. Both venues commisioned Wes to create the posters for the events. He created posters from February 1966 to May 1967, but then got into an argument over money with Bill Graham. When I asked him what his favorite memory of Bill Graham was he responded, “Not many favorite moments come to mind-but he really could be nice if he wanted to.”
He pioneered a whole new style but by mid 1967 so many artists had copied his work that sadly Wilson’s posters became just one in the crowd, but now worth big bucks. Wes was kind enough to answer a few questions and share his work for Rock Art Wednesday.
Which current bands or solo artists would you like to design a poster for?
“Still Bob Dylan for sure!”
Which posters that you created are your favorites?
“My Looking Back Poster, The Byrds one, The Mexican Hat one, The Association green and red one-and perhaps one or two more zingers come to mind immediately.”
What is your view on the current state of the music industry?
“It’s run by a stack of selfish low brow money-mongering skeptics who care more about profits than our country and its superior culture.”
Check out Wes’ work at his site here. Thanks Wes!
“The Byrds one”
“The Association green and red one”
“The Mexican Hat” (My favorite!)
“My Looking Back Poster”-Wes Wilson
