An absolutely incredible find in Palm Springs last weekend during Coachella Weekend One: a rare original art poster by legendary California artist Kent Bash, of his oil painting of John Lennon created in 1971, titled "Imagine" and with the name of his Bash Night Gallery also imprinted on the poster. Kent told me that he only pulled a few prints of the painting like this one, with the title and date of the painting and including the name of his studio-gallery, as he did not want it to seem like a business promotion for his gallery.
In describing this painting Kent said on Facebook: "Sometimes the past seems so close you could touch it. A time the music captured the spirit of the times, when young people began to speak up, especially about being the currency for war, without having a voice in the matter, as their lives were in the crosshairs of war. Music had a profound influence on my journey into the world of self expression. Today, like yesterday it seems the only refuge from today's version of a world gone insane. From 1971 "Imagine", oil on canvas, 24" X 36." "
Kent offers a wonderful collection of very reasonably priced vintage prints of his paintings, including this portrait of John Lennon, on his website that capture the essence of growing up in the San Fernando Valley in the 1950's and 1960's.
The poster is in good vintage condition, although there is one area at the top of the poster and one at the bottom that shows some staining or foxing as noted in the pictures. Also, some waviness under the original glass frame which measures about 33.5 x 22.5 inches.