【Art & Design English-46】Where the 1960s "Psychedelic" look came from? (20世紀60年代「迷幻」風格從何而來)

Where the 1960s "Psychedelic" look came from? If someone were to show you these album covers, or these posters... Even if you've never heard of the bands featured, you'd probably be able to guess what kind of music they play. This style has become synonymous with the psychedelic '60s. But these abstract forms, and curly, barely legible lettering—they weren't created in the 1960s. They came from a celebrated art movement—one that started almost a century earlier. In the late 1800s, new technology—electrical power, telephones, cars- was changing the way the world worked, and the way it looked. And some people, especially artists, living through this technological revolution, were not so into all the new industry. To be blunt, they thought it was ugly. Out of this conflict, a new global artistic movement was born. One that went by many different names. Like the Secessionists in Austria and the Glasgow school in Scotland. But you might know it as Art Nouveau, which literally means "new art" in French. Its creators wanted to make art that reflected the vibrancy of city life. They used flat, decorative patterns, feminine figures, and organic and plant motifs, often stylized with fluid, abstract forms. And they applied this new visual language to just about everything, from architecture to paintings to textiles and beyond, because they believed that aesthetics should go hand in hand with utility, and no object was too mundane to be beautiful. Like this entrance to the Paris subway. Or these posters by Alphonse Mucha advertising champagne and biscuits, which are just as much about being beautiful as they are about conveying information. Okay, back to the hippies. Like the late 1800s, the 1960s were a time of cultural upheaval. The Vietnam struggle goes on. We want the Beatles! The Beatles, everybody! In the US, the epicenter of this change was San Francisco, where hundreds of thousands of young people descended upon the city. For things like protests, drum circles, and of course, concerts. Lots and lots and lots of concerts. Particularly dance concerts, featuring trippy, psychedelic music from bands like Jefferson Airplane and the Grateful Dead. And there was one major way to get people to come to your concert: a good poster. Back then, these now iconic bands were just starting out, playing back to back shows at venues like the Fillmore and the Avalon. And to advertise this new generation of hippie bands, those venues knew that plain typeface and a grayscale photo just wasn't going to cut it. So they commissioned work from a small group of artists, who developed a brand-new formula for concert posters. One that pulled from a variety of established design traditions—comic books, surrealism, and, of course, Art Nouveau. By the mid-60s, Art Nouveau was already experiencing a bit of a resurgence. Especially when it came to textiles — dynamic, floral designs were a natural fit for the hippie aesthetic. Which is probably why in 1965, a museum just outside of San Francisco launched this exhibit. Legend says this is where some of those designers were first exposed to Art Nouveau. One designer, Wes Wilson, told Time Magazine that he admired their "idea of really putting it out there." And when they started making new concert posters, these designers took those Art Nouveau staples and turned the dial up. Art Nouveau is famous for its feminine figures—most often nude, with flowing hair, and a "come hither" glance. A style the psychedelic designers clearly picked up on. Look at the way these posters are covered edge-to-edge with detailed, two-dimensional illustrations. Particularly flowers, and abstract curves, and also peacocks—that's an Art Nouveau thing, too. They loved peacocks. And sometimes, psychedelic designers would use images pulled directly from an Art Nouveau poster, but always with a radically different color palette. Instead of Art Nouveau's soft pastels, these artists opted for intense, high-contrast colors, said to make your eyes "vibrate", a reference to the "visual experiences of an LSD tripper." And that curly, cloudy, barely legible font? It started here....on a 1902 poster by Austrian designer Alfred Roller. In the 60s, artists adapted the bold, dynamic typeface and pushed it even further—softening its lines and obscuring its edges, making it nearly illegible. Which served a purpose. It was meant to grab your attention and keep you interested, at least for as long as it took to figure out what the poster was trying to tell you. The result was a ton of posters that looked like Art Nouveau on acid. As the music of San Francisco spread throughout the world, so did the aesthetic. In part, because posters are easy to own and reproduce and collect, with fans sometimes tearing them down immediately after they were put up. The artists behind them even became celebrities in their own right. A few of them got their own spread in Life Magazine. The posters they made—their vibrating colors and winding lines—capture the energy of the 1960s. Just like the Art Nouveau ones represent the late 1800s. And while these two time periods don't mirror each other perfectly, both movements were able to create something that captured the feeling of a changing world. And their art reflected that.
References (optional) Psychedelic art refers to art, visuals, or displays inspired by psychedelic experiences, often associated with the effects of hallucinogenic drugs like LSD or psilocybin. The term "psychedelic," coined by British psychologist Humphry Osmond, means "mind revealing". This art form emerged in the 1960s, heavily influenced by the counterculture movement and often featuring vibrant colors, swirling patterns, and surreal imagery. 
Key Characteristics: Vivid Colors and Contrasts: Psychedelic art often utilizes bright, contrasting colors and bold, saturated hues to evoke a sense of heightened perception.  Intricate Patterns and Shapes: Swirling patterns, kaleidoscopic designs, and complex geometric forms are common, creating a visually stimulating and disorienting effect.  Surreal Imagery: Psychedelic art frequently incorporates surreal and dreamlike imagery, blending realistic elements with fantastical or abstract forms.  Symbolism and Spiritual Themes: Some psychedelic art explores spiritual or transcendental themes, drawing inspiration from various religious and philosophical traditions.  Influence of Hallucinogenic Drugs: While not all psychedelic art is directly linked to drug use, the imagery often reflects or attempts to capture the altered states of consciousness associated with psychedelic experiences.  Historical Context: 1960s Counterculture: Psychedelic art gained prominence during the 1960s counterculture movement, becoming a visual representation of the era's experimentation with consciousness and altered states of mind. Rock Concert Posters and Album Art: Many iconic rock concert posters and album covers from the 1960s and 70s featured psychedelic art styles, solidifying its association with music and counterculture. Digital Age: Psychedelic art continues to evolve in the digital age, with artists using digital tools and techniques to create vibrant and visually stunning works. 
Examples of Psychedelic Art: Victor Moscoso : A pioneering figure in psychedelic poster art, known for his vibrant colors and bold typography. Alex Grey : A contemporary artist known for his intricate and detailed paintings exploring consciousness and spirituality. Rick Griffin : Famous for his Grateful Dead posters and album art, blending psychedelic and comic book styles What is Art For?
Psychedelic Art Discussion Questions (Art) How great is your interest in art? What’s the best art gallery you’ve been to? Do you like modern art? What do you think of installation art? Do you ever think a lot of art is not really art? Do you have a favorite artist? What kind of art do you like – paintings, sculpture, ceramics, etc.? What is art? Does art change the way you think or feel? Do you think anyone can be an artist, or do you need a special talent? Do you think all children should study art at school? Do you think children should learn the history of art? Do you think a painting can really be worth a million (or more) dollars? Do you think today’s artists are as good as those from hundreds of years ago? What was the last painting/poster/piece of art you bought? Why did you buy it? Describe the pieces of artwork in your house. What kind of art is your country famous for? What kind of life do you think an artist’s is? Do you have any artistic talents? How would the world be different without artists? Discussion Questions (Design) How would you define design? How do you know if something is designed well? Do you think design is important? Why? Have you ever designed anything? What are some well-designed products? What are some poorly designed products? Are there any designers you admire? Have you done any interior design in your home? What are some examples of good design that you appreciate? Why? How does design influence our daily experiences and interactions with products and environments? Can you think of any iconic designs or designers that have made a significant impact on society? What are some key principles or elements of design? How does cultural and historical context influence design aesthetics? Can you describe a design project or process that you have been involved in or observed? How does user experience (UX) design contribute to the functionality and usability of products and services? What role does sustainability play in design? Share examples of environmentally conscious design practices. How can design be used to solve social and humanitarian challenges? What are some current trends in design that you find interesting? How does technology influence the field of design? Discuss the impact of digital tools and software. Can you think of any examples of design that have sparked controversy or provoked discussions? How can design be inclusive and accessible to people with diverse abilities and backgrounds? Can you share any examples of designs that evoke specific emotions or create a particular atmosphere? How does design differ across various disciplines, such as graphic design, industrial design, or interior design? What are some ethical considerations in design? Discuss the responsibility of designers towards users and society. Can you think of any design failures or instances where poor design affected the user experience? What lessons can be learned from them? How can design thinking be applied beyond traditional design fields to problem-solving and innovation? What skills and qualities do you think are essential for a successful career in design? How has technology influenced the field of graphic design in recent years? Can you think of any examples of design that successfully blend form and function? Explain why they are effective. How does cultural diversity influence design aesthetics and the portrayal of different cultures in design? What are some key considerations in designing user interfaces for mobile applications? Can you describe a design project that aims to address sustainability or environmental issues? How does typography contribute to the overall design and message of printed materials? What are some effective ways to gather user feedback during the design process? How can color psychology be utilized in design to evoke specific emotions or convey certain messages? Can you think of any examples where design played a crucial role in shaping a company’s brand identity? What are the main differences between designing for print media and designing for digital media? How can design be used to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities? Can you describe a design trend that you find intriguing? Why do you think it has gained popularity? How does packaging design influence consumer perception and purchasing decisions? What ethical considerations should designers keep in mind when creating advertisements or marketing materials? How has social media influenced the field of design and the way designers showcase their work? Can you think of any innovative design solutions that have improved people’s lives in developing countries? What are some challenges in designing for virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) experiences? How does design impact the gaming industry, particularly in terms of user interface and user experience? Can you describe a famous architectural design that has become an iconic landmark? What makes it significant? How do cultural symbols and icons influence design choices, especially in international contexts? Discussion Questions (Art Culture) How often do you go to art museums? Do you consider yourself to be artistic? What do you think about modern art paintings? How many forms of art can you name? What is your favorite form of art? Is graffiti art? Why or why not? What is the most famous statue in your country? Who is your favorite artist? Why do you like them so much? Do you think that art is important to society? Why? Have you ever tried drawing, painting, sculpting, or something else artistic? What is the most famous painting in your country? What is traditional art like in your culture? What country do you think is the most creative? Why is art so expensive? Do you think it should be more, or less, expensive? Do you have any artistic friends? What kinds of art do they create?