Given the state of our presidency today, the summer of 2017 might not be that different from the Summer of Love in 1967, a time of massive cultural and political change when young hippies rejected the American government, the Vietnam War, and consumer culture. San Francisco’s neighborhood Haight-Ashbury was the scene for flower children and other counterculture groups to turn on, tune in, and drop out.
This year marks the social movement’s 50th anniversary. Joseph Bellows Gallery in La Jolla, California is celebrating the Summer of Love with an exhibition by artist and Tisch professor Elaine Mayes opening on June 10 through August 26. “The photographs are compelling depictions that are at once specific to the individuals pictured, as well as definers of that age and era,” writes the gallery. “They reveal a freedom of expression and camaraderie that was shared by a generation at odds with its current social ideals. Together with these images will be informal portraits of musicians and festivalgoers.” Look for candid portraits of icons like Janis Joplin and Steve Miller.
Preview the exhibition Elaine Mayes: Summer of Love in our gallery.
©Elaine Mayes, published with permissionHaight Ashbury, 1968, vintage gelatin silver print, 14 x 11 inches
©Elaine Mayes, published with permissionHaight Street, 1968, vintage gealtin silver print, 20 x 16 inches
©Elaine Mayes, published with permissionCouple in Park, San Francisco, 1968, vintage gelatin silver print, 14 x 11 inches
©Elaine Mayes, published with permissionGrateful Dead, GoldenGatePark,1967, vintage gelatin silver print, 11 x 14 inches
©Elaine Mayes, published with permissionHaight Ashbury (young woman in park), 1968, vintage gelatin silver print, 14 x 11 inches
©Elaine Mayes, published with permissionHaight Ashbury, 1968, vintage gelatin silver print, 14 x 11 inches
©Elaine Mayes, published with permissionJanis at the Fillmore 1967, vintage gelatin silver print, 11 x 14 inches
©Elaine Mayes, published with permissionKrishna Devotee, 1967, vintage gealtin silver print, 11 x 14 inches
©Elaine Mayes, published with permissionLinda, Haight Ashbury, 1968, vintage gealtin silver print, 14 x 11 inches
©Elaine Mayes, published with permissionRebel, 25, Golden Gate Park, 1968, vintage gelatin silver print, 14 x 11 inches
©Elaine Mayes, published with permissionSteve Miller,1967, vintage gelatin silver print, 11 x 14 inches
©Elaine Mayes, published with permissionTwo Friends, Haight Street, 1968, vintage gelatin silver print, 14 x 11 inches