Psychedelic Art and Stoner Rock: A Match Made in Heaven

Psychedelic art is art that is inspired by psychedelic experiences and hallucinations induced by drugs. The subject matter of psychedelic art is often related to acid trips, drug culture, and the psychedelic subculture.

Psychedelic art and stoner rock: an introduction

Psychedelic art is art that is inspired by or depicts the use of psychedelic drugs. This type of art is often characterised by bright colours and swirling patterns. Stoner rock, on the other hand, is a subgenre of rock music that is typically associated with the use of cannabis.

What is psychedelic art?

Psychedelic art is art, either in its original form or in adapted form, that seeks to reproduce or reflect the experience of psychedelic drugs. Psychedelic drugs have been used for centuries for their religious and spiritual effects; however, it was not until the 1940s that LSD became known as a powerful way to induce hallucinations. Psychedelic art began to appear almost immediately after LSD’s discovery, and reached its height in the late 1960s amid the countercultural movement.

Psychedelic art is often associated with the psychedelic music of the same era, particularly with psychedelic rock and early heavy metal. Psychedelic artists sought to visually capture the experience of altered states of consciousness, often drawing on Eastern religious traditions such as Hinduism and Buddhism.Since the 1970s, psychedlic art has made a comeback, appearing in pop culture and on album covers, as well as in fine art galleries.

What is stoner rock?

Stoner rock is a genre of rock music that originated in the early 1990s. It combines elements of psychedelic rock, blues-rock, and heavy metal. The genre is generally characterized by slow to mid-tempo riffs, a heavy bass sound, and a “stoned” or drugged-out vibe.

Stoner rock bands often seek to replicate the sound and feel of vintage psychedelic rock bands such as Pink Floyd, Grateful Dead, and Jimi Hendrix Experience. They also draw inspiration from more contemporary acts such as Kyuss, Sleep, and Monster Magnet.

The term “stoner rock” was reportedly first coined by music journalist Joe Carducci in an issue of Seattle weekly The Rocket in 1993.

The history of psychedelic art and stoner rock

While the two might seem like an unlikely pairing, psychedelic art and stoner rock have actually been intertwined since the inception of both. Psychedelic art emerged in the late 1960s as artists sought to visually represent the mind-altering experiences brought on by drugs like LSD. Stoner rock, on the other hand, developed in the early 1990s as a response to the grunge scene that was taking over the music world.

Psychedelic art in the 1960s

Psychedelic art is art, music, fashion, and film inspired by psychedelic experiences and hallucinations induced by drugs such as LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, mescaline, and DMT. The word “psychedelic” (coined by British psychologist Humphry Osmond in 1956) means “mind-manifesting”. Psychedelic art is also sometimes known as “stoner art”.

Psychedelic art uses vivid colors, often in strange or mismatched combinations, to depict surreal landscapes and scenes, either in abstract or figurative form. Psychedelic artists may also use distorted realities, double images, swap faces and body parts between people and animals, put words into unexpected places, use perspectives that don’t make sense, or employ any other technique that helps to create the illusion of a distorted reality.

Psychedelic art emerged in the early 1960s after some popular culture figures began experimenting with LSD and other hallucinogenic drugs. One of the most famous examples of psychedelic art is the 1968 album cover for The Beatles’ “Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”, which was designed by pop artist Peter Blake and his then-wife Jann Haworth. The album cover was widely imitated and became one of the most iconic images of the psychedelic era.

Other well-known examples of psychedelic art include the album covers for Pink Floyd’s “The Piper at the Gates of Dawn” (1967) and “Ummagumma” (1969), both of which were designed by Storm Thorgerson; the posters for San Francisco’s Fillmore West concert venue; and the artwork of Robert Crumb.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in psychedelic art, with a new generation of artists exploring drug-induced altered states of consciousness.

Stoner rock in the 1970s

Stoner rock, a term coined in the early 1990s by music critic Damian Fanelli, is a subgenre of heavy metal that combines elements of acid rock, hard rock, and blues-rock. The genre emerged during the early 1970s as a reaction against the perceived excesses of psychedelic and progressive rock. Stoner rock bands typically have slow tempos, thick mixtures of guitars and bass, and heavy use of effects pedals.

The earliest known use of the term “stoner rock” was in an issue of British music magazine Kerrang! in 1993. In the article, writer Paul Brannigan claimed that stoner rock was “the new heavy meta trends (sic) taking America by storm”. He went on to say that bands such as Kyuss, Sleep, and Monster Magnet were leading the way.

Stoner metal is a related subgenre that emerged in the early 1990s. Stoner metal bands are often characterized by their slower tempos, down-tuned guitars, and heaviness. Kyuss is often credited as being one of the first stoner metal bands. Other early stoner metal bands include Sleep, Acid Bath, Corrosion of Conformity, and Eyehategod.

The influence of psychedelic art on stoner rock

Psychedelic art is art that is influenced by or evoke psychedelic experiences and hallucinations. Psychedelic art often features bright colors, strange patterns, and distorted images. Stoner rock is a subgenre of rock music that is characterized by a slow, heavy, and fuzzy sound. Stoner rock is often influenced by psychedelic culture and psychedelic drugs.

Psychedelic art and stoner rock in the 21st century

In the 21st century, psychedelic art and stoner rock remain inextricably linked. The two genres have influenced each other since their inception in the 1960s, and both continue to evolve today.

Psychedelic art is characterized by bright colors, intricate patterns, and scenes that often depict alternative realities or hallucinations. It is often associated with the use of psychoactive drugs, especially LSD. Psychedelic art emerged in the 1960s as part of the counterculture movement, and it has continued to evolve in the decades since.

Stoner rock is a genre of rock music that blends elements of heavy metal, psychedelic rock, and doom metal. It is typically characterized by slow tempos, heavy riffs, and lyrics that often deal with topics such as drug use, depression, and paranoia. Stoner rock emerged in the early 1990s as a reaction to the grunge movement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, psychedelic art and stoner rock are a match made in heaven. Both art forms are deeply rooted in counterculture and have provided a creative outlet for self-expression and social commentary. While they may differ in approach, they both share a common goal: to challenge the status quo and push boundaries.