The Beatles, 1972
 
Tadanori Yokoo was one of the dominant figures, if not the dominant figure, in Japanese design starting in the Sixties. Some people liken his work to Andy Warhol but I scarcely see that, unless you’re talking about general importance and influence, in which case I can’t judge. I think Richard got it right last year when he invoked Milton Glaser, Seymour Chwast, and Peter Max, particularly Max.

In addition to his (usually) symmetrical, DayGlo, ligne claire works, Yokoo also did a good number of rock-related graphics. The funny thing is that they’re in a completely different photocollage style—you can tell it might be by the same person but aside from that, they’re not too similar to stuff like this. I find all of these images delightful and fascinating. They’re trippy and detailed with a strong design sense, and the use of photos prevents them from flying off into the ether.

Emerson, Lake, and Palmer, 1972
 

Cat Stevens, 1972
 

Santana, 1974
 

Earth, Wind, & Fire, 1976
 

Tangerine Dream, 1976
 

The Beatles, Star Club, 1977
 

Earth, Wind, & Fire, 1993
 
Aa a bonus, here’s Tadanori’s cover for Miles Davis’ 1975 album Agharta.

Previously on Dangerous Minds:
Pop goes Japan: Tadanori Yokoo’s amazing 60s animations