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Emergency Exit
Large format image

Emergency Exit

Subject The Emergency Exit
Artist Bob Masse
Datec. 1966
Mediumpaper (fiber product); ink
DimensionsOverall (HWD): 22 × 13 1/2 in. (55.88 × 34.29 cm)
Credit LineMoPOP permanent collection
Object number1994.63.10
Text Entries

Bob Masse (b. 1945) created this poster for Emergency Exit within the first decade of his career designing concert posters. Masse was a major force in creating the aesthetic of psychedelic, Rock art, beginning in the 1960s and continuing into the 2020s. He has designed for bands and musicians including the Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970), Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin (1943-1970), Smashing Pumpkins, and David Bowie (1947-2016). His style is characterized by flowing hand-drawn text, bright contrasting colors, and art-nouveau inspired illustration, particularly the work of Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939).

Emergency Exit was formed in 1965 by Paul Goldsmith (b. unknown), Luther Rabb (1942-2006), Bill Leyritz (1945-2006) and Jim Walters (b. unknown). Although the band members all had a history with mainstream Rock ‘n’ Roll, their willingness to experiment with new sounds for new audiences led them to produce music best characterized as Garage Rock. The group only performed together for a couple of years, disbanding in 1967, but members continued playing music individually and with other groups. Luther Rabb, in particular, would go on to form the band Ballin’ Jack and later tour with Santana and War.

Yellow poster with dark blue, organic patterning in the background. Features illustration of winged sphinx in green, framing a blue monochrome photograph of the band. Hand-drawn text at bottom reads: “Emergency Exit”.
CopyrightThis Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. However, for this Item, either (a) no rights-holder(s) have been identified or (b) one or more rights-holder(s) have been identified but none have been located. For more information, see http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-RUU/1.0/
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