Black light posters incorporate fluorescent ink on velvet material. The phosphor in the florescent ink causes the poster to glow when struck by ultraviolet light that is emitted from black lights. The velvet provides contrast to the fluorescent ink and gives a fuzzy look under black lights. The combination of the glowing ink, velvet texture and ultraviolet light creates a 3D effect, mimicking the sensual and visual distortions felt from acid use.
The images that graced black light posters ranged broadly, but the most common designs were based upon spiraling patterns, euphoric nature scenes and the signs of the times: peace symbols, flowers and smiley faces. Often cartoon-like, the posters frequently made pop-culture references that embodied the interests of the psychedelic sub-culture. Characters from books such as Alice in Wonderland and bands from the Summer of Love popped up on the walls of basements and vans as the subject of posters.
Considered a part of the pop-art movement, black light posters started in the sub-culture but quickly transformed into a mainstream commodity. The coolness factor created by the bands and hippies parlayed the art form from the LSD communities to the masses. Black light posters continued to see popularity through the '80s in arcades and gained new life with the rise of raves and warehouse clubs and parties.
Enthusiasts still collect black light posters from garage sales, thrift stores and original owners. The easiest ways to obtain them are to search the Internet for auction sites or in memorabilia stores. Both methods will produce a good number of these now vintage pieces.