Cactus Flower 1969

Robert McGinnis made this poster for Cactus Flower, probably in gouache or acrylics, with a really flat, almost graphic sensibility. I love how the colors kind of vibrate against each other! Look at the way the bodies are rendered, how economical the marks are, and how much space is left for the viewer to fill in. It’s as if McGinnis is saying, ‘Here are some suggestions, now you take it from here.’ The little details like the wobbly outlines on the pink flowers really add a handmade, slightly off-kilter charm. It reminds me of some of Alex Katz’s portraiture, but with an added pop-art sensibility. This piece feels like a bridge between illustration and fine art, sitting comfortably in its own ambiguous space. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that art doesn't always need to shout; sometimes, a quiet suggestion can be just as powerful.