Rolf Birkner (1944) - Psychedelic Art + Space Age

Rolf Birkner (1944–2020) – Rare Psychedelic Space-Age Lithographs (Diptych) – 1968

We present a spectacular, two-part set (diptych) of original color lithographs from the culmination year of the psychedelic & space-age era: 1968.

The two works by Rolf Birkner are masterful testimonies of the era's zeitgeist. With their combination of surreal, organic biomorph structures, hypnotic patterns, and vibrant, psychedelic contrast colors (deep green, luminous emerald, golden yellow and violet), they strongly recall the cosmic visions of Fantastic Realism and the iconic album-cover art of the late 1960s.

The left print captivates with fractal-like geometric distortions in the background and cosmic, cellular spheres in the foreground. The right counterpart shows a stylized, bluish figure from whose mind an opulent, ornamental aura unfolds—a visual translation of expanded consciousness and cosmic energy, as pioneering for the Düsseldorf avant-garde of the time. Birkner created these works during his most important German phase as master student at the renowned Kunstakademie Düsseldorf.

Special feature of the edition: This is an extremely rare, small-part underground edition worldwide consisting of only 10 copies!

The left sheet is hand-signed by the artist and bears the rare (artist-swapped) numbering “10/5” (Copy 5 of 10). The right sheet is unsigned, but belongs as an integral counterpart original to this diptych.

An absolute key-piece for collectors of 60s Acid-Art and visionary graphics!

Technical details

Artist: Rolf Birkner (1944–2020)
Style: Psychedelic Art / Surrealism / Space Age
Year: 1968
Technique: Color lithographs on heavy paper
Edition: No. 5 of 10 (labelled as 10/5)
Signature: One sheet at bottom right hand-signed in pencil and dated (“Rolf Birkner 1968”)
Graphic format: Approx. 57.5 x 68 cm each
Frame format: Approx. 62.5 x 82.5 cm each
Framing: Heavy aluminum frame, framed behind glass.
Condition overall: Good, authentic condition with excellent color intensity.

Details: The paper shows minimal age-related patina/browning at the outer edges, but the psychedelic luminosity of the motifs is fully preserved. No cracks.