Alton Kelley was a prominent American artist born in San Francisco in 1940. He is best known for his psychedelic and rock-and-roll style poster designs and album covers, which have become iconic symbols of the 1960s and 70s counterculture. Along with his collaborator Stanley Mouse, Kelley created some of the most recognizable Grateful Dead concert posters, including the famous skull and roses design. Kelley's work was heavily influenced by the psychedelic art and music scene of the San Francisco Bay Area, where he was a key figure in the emerging counterculture. His posters and album covers were characterized by bold colors, intricate designs, and surreal imagery, often featuring psychedelic motifs such as swirling patterns, kaleidoscopic shapes, and mystical symbols. In addition to his work in the music industry, Kelley also created artwork for book covers, logos, and band t-shirts, as well as other poster and graphic designs. He was known for his attention to detail and his ability to capture the spirit of the times in his art. Kelley passed away in 2008 in Petaluma, California, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. His work continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, and his impact on the art and music scenes of the 1960s and 70s cannot be overstated.
Alton Kelley, psychedelic art, rock-and-roll, Grateful Dead, counterculture
Alton Kelley was one of the most recognizable American Artists of the 20th century. Born in San Francisco in 1940, he was primarily known for his psychedelic and rock-and-roll style poster designs and album covers. He is credited as the man behind many of the iconic Grateful Dead and rock concert posters that were created in the 1960s and 70s. Along with fellow artist Stanley Mouse, Kelley is credited with creating the now ubiquitous “skull and roses” poster which was used for the Grateful Dead's self-titled album in 1967. Later in his career, Kelley’s work also included creating artwork for book covers, logos, and band t-shirts, as well as other poster and graphic designs. He passed away in 2008 in Petaluma, California.
Alton Kelley, artistic poster, psychedelic poster, album cover artist.
— Mei Wang
CITATION : "Mei Wang. 'Alton Kelley.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=210356 (Accessed on April 26, 2024)"
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