The elements were in motion in Conklin's psychedelic seascape advertising Santana and the Youngbloods, and the artist's staid leafy border stood in sharp contrast to the rough seas. BG173 was Conklin's last poster for Bill Graham. Like many of his relationships with artists, the association ended abruptly when Graham cut off contact following a disagreement over payment.
The poster was only printed once before the concert. It measures 14 1/16" x 21 3/16".
The 2nd printing is on uncoated matte stock and has "W 2021" in the lower right hand margin. It was printed in 2021 by the Wolfgang's in a 100 copy run. This reprint measures 14" x 21".
The 3rd printing is on coated stock and has "W 2023" in the lower right hand margin. It was printed in 2023 by Wolfgang's in a 250 copy run. This reprint measures 14" x 21".
Lee Conklin's early influences were pen and ink masters Heinrich Kley and Saul Steinberg.After seeing articles featuring Wes Wilson's poster art, Conklin was inspired to visit San Francisco and show his art to Bill Graham. Conklin was soon commissioned to do posters and produced 31 original designs for the Fillmore between 1968 and 1969. Conklin rendered both graphics and calligraphy in intricate detail. What began as a personal challenge to disguise images within images and lettering soon turned into a concerted effort to turn every single letter and figure into another form, stretching the imagination to new limits.