Martin Kaye - THE JAM - Paradiso The Jam 1982

The Jam at Paradiso, 17 & 18 Oct 1982. Amsterdam, Martin Kaye Silk-screened poster , Measures approx 43 x 61 cm (17 x 24" inch). Mint condition.

Martin Kaye, a British designer, was closely associated with Paradiso from 1972 to 1983, where he designed virtually all the posters. Kaye was not only the designer but also the printer and distributor. He screen-printed the posters in Paradiso's basement (under the stage where Prince, The Stones, Blondie, The Stranglers etc..) were performing) and distributed them personally throughout Amsterdam, making it seem as if the city was filled with his work, despite the limited print run of about 120 copies per poster.

Kaye's style was recognizable and powerful, with a clean and purposeful approach: large, clear typography and frequent use of iris printing for a full-color effect. The artist's name had to be large and legible, and the message had to come across clearly and directly. Sometimes he used manipulated photos to emphasize the artist's appearance, which became a key feature of his posters. His posters were bold and striking, intended to grab the attention of passersby and draw them to Paradiso. This visual approach laid the foundation for the rock 'n' roll poster culture in the Netherlands, in which clear lettering and a central focus on the artist became the norm.