CSUN Exhibit Showcases Prolific Artist Behind Some Of Pop Culture's Most Iconic Images
NORTHRIDGE (CBSLA.com) — An exhibit at Cal State Northridge showcases the work of the man behind some of pop culture's most iconic images.
From "The Endless Summer" movie poster to more than 300 album covers, including The Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour and The Rolling Stones' Exile on Main Street, John Van Hamersveld said his artistic vision began on the beach of Palos Verdes, where he grew up as an avid surfer.
Van Hamersveld was immersed into what he calls the "mystical world of the ocean."
"It's a canvas that replenishes itself constantly," he said.
Van Hamersveld dove into the music world in the 1960s and '70s.
"It became a political world with Bob Dylan and Mick Jagger and The Beatles and everything. Everyone sort of orchestrally created this texture of media," he said.
Van Hamersveld said each album cover and poster carries with it a powerful memory.
"The moments they took place in…each one has a story to it," he said.
At the end of the day, Van Hamersveld said his artistic vision comes from his unconscious.
"It just unfolds," he said. "It just comes out of the unconscious behavior."
The "Drawing Attention" exhibit runs through Oct. 12.
For more information, visit CSUN's website.
