The imagery of the 1960’s would not be complete without the art of The Fool Design Collective.

Producing art , clothes and photography - many of their pieces becoming part of pop culture and instantly recognizable today.

Bright colors and what would be seen as the look of psychedelia - would grace John Lennon’s Rolls Royce and piano , The Beatles’ Apple Boutique - opened in London in 1967 and The Cream album cover Disraeli Gears and Eric Clapton’s Gibson SG.

All bore the look of reclining figures ,foliage, exotic landscapes and intense bright colors.

Initial inspiration came from tarot cards and the fool card because it represented cultural and creative activities.

Marijke Koger and several other Dutch artists would then be known as The Fool Collective.

Tarot cards originating in Italy in the 1400’s  (and their readings ) have had associations with the occult for hundreds of years.

Suitably turned on by a tarot reading by Marijke and her art - the Beatles were ready to embrace the look  - with the Fool designing their wardrobes for the TV broadcast of “All You Need Is Love” in June 1967 and their “Magical Mystery Tour” movie that same year - amongst other things.

The Beatles retail store in Baker Street,London was given to The Fool for complete artistic design - from the painting on the exterior of the 3 story building to designing the clothing and merchandise.

Subsequently the beautiful mural had to be painted over in plain white - due to complaints of drivers being distracted whilst they admired the colorful mural and were causing a road hazard!

The art really was an identifier of the period - influencing graphic design, fashion and interior design across so many areas. 

It’s interesting to note probably Fender would not have issued the Paisley red and blue finishes in 1968 for the Telecaster guitar - without the influence of The Fool and their work in transforming Eric Clapton's Gibson SG.

It's to be noted Jack Bruce's Fender bass VI and Ginger Baker's drums were also given similar treatment.

By being able to work with music’s top artists of the time - the art of The Fool was seen everywhere and consequently encapsulated in our visual consciousness.

For more info:

https://marijkekogerart.com/index.php