
Rick Griffin (1944-1991) was an American artist and one of the most influential designers of psychedelic posters in the 1960s. Born near Palos Verdes, California, he was primarily known for his work in the underground comix and counterculture movement. He created iconic artwork for musicians, bands, and events, which helped define the visual style of the era. Griffin started his career as a cartoonist and was heavily influenced by the surf culture of Southern California. He created the popular surf comic character "Murphy" for Surfer Magazine in the early 1960s. As his work progressed, he became immersed in the counterculture movement, eventually moving to San Francisco where he joined other notable artists such as Stanley Mouse, Alton Kelley, Victor Moscoso, and Wes Wilson, collectively known as the "Big Five." This group of artists significantly impacted the visual language of the time, with their vibrant and surreal designs. Griffin's work is characterized by intricate and highly detailed designs, often incorporating Art Nouveau, Native American, and religious motifs. He is most well-known for his psychedelic rock posters, which advertised concerts and events featuring bands such as the Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, and The Doors. One of his most famous posters is the "Flying Eyeball," created for a Jimi Hendrix concert in 1968. In addition to concert posters, Griffin also worked on album covers, including the Grateful Dead's "Aoxomoxoa" (1969) and the Eagles' "On the Border" (1974). He was also a prolific contributor to the underground comix scene, with his work appearing in publications like Zap