This striking poster, designed by Neon Park, advertises the Velvet Underground’s performances on July 12 and 13, 1968, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. The vivid and surreal imagery showcases Neon Park’s signature psychedelic art style, featuring bold colors, distorted forms, and intricate textures that encapsulate the countercultural aesthetic of the late 1960s. The dynamic composition exudes a sense of otherworldliness, inviting viewers into the avant-garde and experimental spirit that the Velvet Underground embodied.
Measuring as a full-sized poster, a smaller postcard version of this design also exists. This poster stands out not only for its artistic brilliance but also for its historical significance, as it captures the Velvet Underground during a period of intense creativity and influence. The performances were part of a scene that pushed boundaries in music and art, with the band’s innovative sound complemented by the era’s cutting-edge visual representations.
The poster features the unmistakable signature of Neon Park, further enhancing its value as a collectible piece. Known for his imaginative and unconventional approach, Neon Park would later gain fame for designing album covers for iconic bands like Little Feat. This piece is an excellent example of his early work, reflecting the vibrant and experimental cultural landscape of the time.
The inclusion of ticketing details and promotional text at the bottom underscores the practical function of this artwork while seamlessly integrating it into the overall design. This poster is not just an advertisement but a masterpiece of psychedelic art, commemorating an era where music and visual art converged to create lasting cultural artifacts.