Title: Olympic Games Los Angels 1984 Author: Billy Al Bengston Authograph: SIGNED by the autor Billy Al Bengston Publisher: Knapp Communications Corporation Condition: good, but with tiny imperfection (see pictures) Origin: Los Angeles 1984 Dimensions: 60 x 90 cm / 24 x 36 inch Shipping method: solid poster tube EXTRA: Copyright 1982 Los Angeles Olympics Organizing Committee, Published by Knapp Communications Corporation This is one of 750 hand signed lithographic posters, published in 1982 to celebrate the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics - though only about 200 are said to remain after the event. The Olympic Committee commissioned 15 nationally known artists, including to create unique designs to promote the event. The complete list of artists is: Sam Francis, David Hockney, Richard Diebenkorn, Carlos Almaraz, Robert Rauschenberg, Jennifer Bartlett, Jonathon Borofsky, Roy LIchtenstein, April Gornik, Raymond Saunders, Martin Puryear, John Baldessari, Lynda Benglis, Billy Al Bengston and Garry Winogrand. As one of the California-based artists chosen, this was Billy Al Bengtson's contribution to the portfolio. In 2017, the Olympic Museum in Lausanne Switzerland featured all 15 lithographs from this portfolio: “The 1980s were marked by non-conformism, eccentricity, audacity and joie de vivre,” say the exhibition organizers, “All these elements are clearly expressed in the stylistic vocabulary chosen by the organizrs of the 1984 Games in Los Angeles, with its fun approach and acid colors.” This work is unframed and in fine condition; limited edition hand signed Olympic print. Very good condition. All of the works, including this Bengtson lithographic poster, were originally unnumbered, but published in a limited edition of 750 hand signed works. Copyright 1982 Los Angeles Olympics Organizing Committee, Published by Knapp Communications Corporation BILLY AL BENGSTON: Billy Al Bengston (1934-2022) was an influential American artist known for his work within the Los Angeles art scene, particularly during the 1960s. Born on June 7, 1934, in Dodge City, Kansas, Bengston moved with his family to Los Angeles, California, in 1948. His career began to develop seriously when he enrolled at the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, before continuing his studies at the Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles. Bengston started his career as a ceramic artist but soon expanded his repertoire to include painting. He became known for his versatility and use of unconventional materials and techniques, including the application of automotive lacquer on his paintings. This was a reflection of his fascination with California's car and surf culture. His work was often characterized by bold colors, sharp lines, and a sense of speed and movement. One of Bengston's most iconic series was the "Dentos" series, in which he combined dental images with a glossy, almost industrial-looking finish. This was part of his ongoing exploration of the boundaries between high art and popular culture. He was also a prominent member of the "Cool School," a group of artists in Los Angeles known for their innovative approaches and contributions to defining the West Coast art style. Throughout his career, Bengston had numerous solo exhibitions at prestigious institutions such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. His work is included in the collections of major museums worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Whitney Museum of American Art. In addition to his artistic work, Bengston was an avid motocross racer, which often influenced the energy and dynamism of his art. His influence spanned multiple decades, and he remained active and relevant in the art world until his death on October 8, 2022. Billy Al Bengston remains a fascinating figure in modern American art, appreciated for his innovative spirit and his ability to blend various cultural elements into his work.