John Alvin has passed away. The name may not be familiar, but the posters he illustrated certainly are.
So why don’t you take a little time to peruse his gallery of hand-drawn key art (an increasing and frustrating rarity in the age of photoshop), and remember how transporting a great movie poster can be. Here are some of my favorites:
And here’s a note from his family posted to the IMP Awards site:
We mourn the loss of JOHN ALVIN.
From Blade Runner to E.T. to Beauty and the Beast, John Alvin left behind a legacy of art that will forever be followed, appreciated and respected by millions.
John loved “making movie posters” because he, just to put it plainly, loved movies. Thirty-eight years and over 120 film campaigns show that his contribution to Hollywood was very integral in shaping the landscape of motion picture advertising. Along with Peak and Amsel, John is now a part of an elite group. A group that helped create the “Golden Age of Movie Posters.” An era of art that sadly will never be echoed through the halls of an institution but more through halls and cubicles of our industry.
We lost a giant in our field and there will never be one like him ever again. Ever. John leaves behind his wife ANDREA his beloved daughter FARAH and a forever indebted Padawan.
We love you John and will never forget you.
10 comments
God, I've always hated that Blade Runner poster. Sean Young couldn't look more plasticine even if she was actually supposed to be plastic.
Too fucking weird. Been having a shit day, put the YF poster on my desktop for a laugh this morning. Now I find out he's dead.
Guess I'm having a better day than he is.
The above folks are assholes. FYI
Maybe these comments were a bad idea.
Amazing work, one of the true masters of this artform. R.I.P.
I really dislike these "unknown users". I own all of the above posters, but I regret to say that I never actually knew who the artist was. I loved his work, and I will miss his contributions.
I've known John Alvin for many years and worked with him on many film projects. In all of my experiences, John was a gentleman, a consummate professional and an amazing talent. I am deeply saddened at his passing.
Knew the name John Alvin. Knew the posters (own a few actually). Didn't put two and two together until I read this article. Great work, and even though I don't know how much he worked recently, I'm sure he'll be missed. Also: what's up with these unknown assholes leaving bait comments? Enough already – you guys have AICN, go be a nuisance there.
We only met John and Andrea recently in Santa Fe. What a sheer delight to be in the presence of such a talent! John had a passion and an excitement for taking the concept of a movie and bringing it all together in one masterpiece called a movie poster. John was a man that was truely in love with is wife, his daughter and his life. I wish we could have spent more time with you. You have touched our hearts and our lives with your paintings and your passion for your art. Go in peace, my Friend.
I met John in 1982 when I was the Art Director of Paper Moon Graphics — we became fast friends for many years. Our families grew up together and we shared many wonderful times and conversations — and a few not so wonderful ones, too — as well as collaborating on many projects. I will miss the man who I used to call friend those many years ago for the many (God willing) ahead for me. Many of you will remember John for the talent he displayed in his artwork, I'll remember the guy who could tell dirty jokes, be volatile one minute and endearingly compassionate the next. I hope you find the happiness you so much deserve, Mr. Alvin. My deepest sympathies to Andrea and Farrah.
Nice orbit, Beaks. I too miss the golden age of movie posters. R.I.P. Mr. Alvin.
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