Altamont x Daniel Johnston
2016
Art Direction, Project Management & Design: Alan Garcia
Growing up in the 90s, it was hard to miss the surplus of references to Daniel Johnston’s art and music. His raw aesthetic seemed to be synonymous with the era. When we shifted the seasonal mood and trend boards to be more reflective of grunge and alternative music - I knew I had to take a chance and reach out. (I highly recommend the documentary, “The Devil and Daniel Johnston”, which chronicled Daniel’s struggles with manic depression.) Daniel’s manager was his brother, Dick. Dick and I worked together to produce a collection of 3 t-shirts, with Daniel’s approval. It was such a smooth and easy process. Dick was kind enough to provide us with access to Daniel’s archives, and we were thrilled with what we found. Rest in peace, Daniel Johnston.
“Cult musician Daniel Johnston is as prolific as he is sincere; The singer-songwriter has spent the last 20 years tirelessly writing and recording his own brand of heartstring-tugging songs about love lost and life’s unending parade of anguish and joy. The anti-folk hero who gained widespread popularity in the early 90s has been touted by musicians like Sonic Youth and Yo La Tengo, and most famously by Kurt Cobain, who often wore a Daniel Johnson t-shirt featuring a drawing by the artist himself. Johnston is also a devoted illustrator whose work has ben shown in galleries worldwide. All of his work reflects his own lifelong struggle with manic depression, and it also speaks to anyone who has experienced a poignant pain.”