This captivating flyer/handbill announces a series of performances by The Velvet Underground at the Retinal Circus in Vancouver, Canada, from October 31 to November 3, 1968. Measuring approximately 7 x 5 inches, the artwork is both intricate and evocative, encapsulating the psychedelic and experimental aesthetic of the late 1960s.
The design, created by artist Frank Lewis, features a striking composition of swirling patterns and surreal imagery. The focal point includes an array of human and abstract figures, intertwined with hypnotic lines and lettering that draw the viewer’s eye across the entire piece. The text is seamlessly woven into the artwork, with the band’s name and event details prominently displayed yet harmonized with the visual elements.
The Retinal Circus, a well-known venue in Vancouver, was celebrated for its eclectic music events and vibrant atmosphere, making it an ideal setting for The Velvet Underground’s avant-garde performances. Sharing the bill with the Black Snake Blues Band and “Ectoplasmic Assault,” these shows were undoubtedly a sensory feast, combining music with the kind of innovative visuals that were a hallmark of the era.
This flyer not only advertised the event but also served as a piece of art in its own right, reflecting the fusion of music, counterculture, and graphic design during this revolutionary period in popular culture. For fans and collectors, it’s a poignant reminder of a transformative time in music history and The Velvet Underground’s enduring influence on art and culture.