guest post by Burstein!
Hi-Fructose and publisher Last Gasp have just released a beautiful new hardbound collection of works “Hi Fructose Collected Edition: Under The Counter Culture” from their first four volumes.  Many magazines provide spotlights for underground artists, but none to my knowledge do it with more heart, skill, elegance and sheer beauty than Hi-Fructose. The issues in the hardbound are out of print, which has long driven me mad as I am missing the first three volumes myself.  If you love pop-surrealism and underground art, this is what you want.
Hi-Fructose magazine showcases an eclectic mix of underground artists, pop surrealists, emerging and rediscovered countercultures, and awe-inspiring spectacles from around the world. This box set compiles the best of the sought after, long-sold-out first four volumes. Featuring the art of Mark Ryden, Tim Biskup, Junko Mizuno, Dave Cooper, Craola (Greg Simkins), Gary Baseman, Alex Pardee, Gary Taxali, Scott Musgrove, Jeff Soto, Ray Ceasar, JennyBird, Joe Ledbetter, Longo Land, Michael Salter, Fawn Gehweiler and more. Includes expanded art spreads and interviews; five deluxe edition art prints from artists including Craola, MARS-1, Joe Ledbetter, Travis Louie, Dave Cooper; a DIY papercraft art toy; and a DIY plush sewing pattern housed in a candy-themed box. Hardcover, color.
On a personal note, while I was in Cambodia working on human rights issues in a very depressing and destructive environment, my friends mailed me out a care package with many things, including volumes four and five of Hi-Fructose. Â They were my gateway back to San Francisco art culture and an escape from the horrors that I had to deal with regularly. Â I ended up showing them to my friends and each loved it because it was pure joy and beauty in a very dark place. For this, Hi-Fructose will always have a special place in my heart.
The new Hi-Fructose book is available for pre-order though Last Gasp.
image via Hi-Fructose
