For the inauguration, the artist has unveiled yellow plaques at significant London rave venues.
Photo credit: George Georgiou – Instagram
Celebrated artist George Georgiou, known for his vibrant yellow smiley face designs that defined the ’90s aesthetic, recently unveiled yellow plaques at iconic rave venues throughout London.
This act marks the opening of the George Georgiou Gallery, a digital exhibition space dedicated to his influential flyers from the lively ’80s and ’90s club scene. These unique yellow plaques, serving as temporary art installations, adorn the locations of legendary venues such as Sin, Shoom, and Velvet Underground. These cultural landmarks are mapped out on an interactive digital tour for virtual exploration.
Georgiou’s iconic yellow smiley, first seen on a 1988 Shoom flyer, became a defining symbol of the acid house movement. The gallery’s opening is particularly meaningful as it aligns with the 30th anniversary of the Criminal Justice Bill. This law passed in 1994 amid widespread protests, famously banned rave music, and significantly affected the early ’90s rave scene.
For a comprehensive exploration of this period, extensive information is available on George Georgiou’s website.
Photograph: Alicia Canter/The Guardian
