GODFATHERS: An Exploration Into Psychedelic, Counterculture, Rock & Roll Art History at The Chambers Project

Opening on March 9th, 2024 at The Chambers Project gallery in Grass Valley, CA

Showcases the golden era of psychedelic art with collections from iconic artists: Roger Dean, Ralph Steadman, Rick Griffin, and Jacaeber Kastor, side-by-side for the first time The Chambers Project to launch the Psychedelic Arts and Culture Trust (PACT) at ‘Godfathers’ opening night.

Grass Valley, CA — The Chambers Project, (627 E Main St, Grass Valley, CA 95945) the global epicenter of the psychedelic art movement and renowned gallery destination, is excited to announce the grand opening of ‘Godfathers: An Exploration Into Psychedelic, Counterculture, Rock & Roll Art History’ on March 9th, 2024. Curated by Brian Chambers, driven by his personal aesthetic and most influential artists, this exhibition immerses visitors in the vibrant era of psychedelic art, showcasing collections by iconic artists Ralph Steadman, Rick Griffin, Roger Dean, and Jacaeber Kastor, side-by-side for the first time.

Brian Chambers, founder of The Chambers Project, has been a pioneering figure in championing psychedelic art since the mid-1990s. His dedication to preserving the legacy of this art movement has culminated in “Godfathers,” a showcase that transcends traditional exhibition curation and reflects Chambers’ influential curation taste. The centerpieces of Godfathers are paintings and drawings by four master artists of the era, Ralph Steadman, Rick Griffin, Roger Dean, and Jacaeber Kastor.

The exhibition features Roger Dean’s seismic status through iconic pieces like “Relayer,” licensed by Yes for their seminal album, while the recent $960,0000 sale of Dean’s masterpiece “The Quest” emphasizes his enduring artistic legacy. Renowned for his collaboration on “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” Ralph Steadman’s raw, visceral art is exclusively available in this exhibit, featuring his historic original inks and defining works.

Rick Griffin, a luminary of the era, contributes rare pieces, including the original artwork for “The Flying Eyeball,” globally recognized as the most iconic rock concert poster of all time and recently sold for 175K. Beyond these psychedelic titans, the exhibition includes diverse elements such as Peter Max’s “Icarus” neon sign and signed LSD blotter sheets, offering a unique glimpse into the visual history of the acid underground. Collections from Jacaeber Kastor, founder of the famed Psychedelic Solution and mentor to Chambers, will be on display, further contextualizing the influence of psychedelic art on music and culture.

For the first time, over one half of the exhibited pieces will be available for sale. Enthusiasts can acquire works from the iconic “Fear and Loathing” collection by Ralph Steadman, half of the Rick Griffin grails, and all of Roger Dean’s pieces on display in the exhibition. Ralph Steadman’s historic original inks from “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” initially published in Rolling Stone magazine, will be among the featured artworks available for purchase.

Notably, the inaugural night of the ‘Godfathers’ exhibit will mark the official launch of the Psychedelic Arts and Culture Trust (PACT), a non profit serving as an extension of The Chambers Project committed to honoring the past and shaping the future of psychedelic arts and culture. The Chambers Project gallery will thoughtfully split the ‘Godfathers’ exhibit on one side and PACT on the other, providing a glimpse into the PACT’s trajectory as a vibrant community hub, driven by education and illustrating the chronological impact of psychedelics on arts and culture throughout history. PACT will cover a dynamic space where attendees can experience music and transformative activations throughout the evening.

Learn more or buy tickets here.