Gawthrop, Rhonda; McCluney, Chrystal

Surf's Beat Generation: An Art and Cultural Revolution in Orange County 1953-1964

ISBN: 9780935314991
Fullerton, CA: California State University, Fullerton/ Grand Central Press, 2016. First Edition. Softcover. "We developed the concept for this exhibition after reading about Cafe Frankenstein in Brian Chidester's book Pop Surf Culture. This small cafe in Laguna Beach existed for only a couple of years in the late 1950s, but learning its history led us to look further into the Surf Beat Generation that started locally. It became obvious that there was more to the Beat counterculture than the beatnik poets we had read about in our history books. Surf's Beat Generation: An Art and Cultural Revolution in Orange County 1953-1964 spotlights how the antiestablishment art, poetry, and music movements of the 1950s influenced surf art and culture in Orange County. It's rare to find an underexamined piece of local history. We were compelled to share it." And share it they do in this generous, comprehensive catalog published in conjunction with an exhibit of the same name held at the University of California at Fullerton during February 6- March 12, 2016. A revelatory blast of beautifully reproduced images that demonstrate a clear aesthetic kinship between the Beat Generation/ San Francisco Renaissance & the fabled California surfing culture from the 1950s through the early 1960s. Compiled, edited & with an introductory statement (quoted above) by exhibit curators Rhonda Gawthrop & Chrystal McCluney; introduction by Gallery Director Mike McGee; musical essay, "The Sounds of the Sea," by Jim Washburn; & of course sections of bold images depicting artworks, ephemera, album covers & photographs by myriad Beat-&-Beyond creators including Rick Griffin (who would go on to become among the most iconic poster & album cover artists of the psychedelic era). Large-format softcover in sewn binding, first edition, first (likely only) printing with no reference to further printings on copyright page. An astonishing, delightful & most collectible production. In fine condition with mild rubbing, faint scratching & occasional spotting to front, back covers & spine; a touch of wear & a few tiny bumps, creases at/near edges & corners of same. Interior very fine with only tiny bumps & very small, faint creases at mostly upper corners of a few page leaves. Fine. [Item #5268]

Price: $50.00