Show Review: Flatstock 24
An event within an event — the Flatstock poster show series is hosted by the American Poster Institute. Happening annually at SXSW, but also independently at various times during the year, this is the show’s 24th gathering.
Flatstock features concert posters and art print of the veritable who’s who of the rock poster community. Veteran artists like Jay Ryan from Chicago exhibit next to newcomers like Kevin Tong, who hails from Los Angeles. While most posters are screen printed there is also a small selection of letterpress works, in addition to one vendor showing posters created with spray paint and stencil. Dirk Fowler, of F2 Design in Lubbock, Texas, even set up a small printing demonstration where visitors to his booth could print their own Flatstock 24 commemorative print.
Most posters exhibited advertised shows by bands known and loved throughout recent musical history, including many of the acts performing at SXSW. For many poster collectors Flatstock can be just as exciting, if not more than SXSW itself. Several attendees even brought prints purchased prior to the event with them for the artists to sign. Visit the American Poster Institute for information on the exhibit, as well as information on the release of the book Rock Paper Show, a book that chronicles the first 20 Flatstocks.
