INTRODUCTION
The Oakland Museum of California will be opening “Altered State”: Marijuana in California on April 16. We are a bit surprised that they didn’t open it just four days after the official stoner celebration. The show will not be about art, but rather a discussion about the drug’s uses and the evolving social and political issues surrounding it. It was said that the show gave us a reason to look at some of the most innovative weed-themed artworks.
One of the many weed tapestries are:
Fred Tomaselli Super Plant
Fred Tomaselli’s resin-coated compositions have been used to spread many things, including insects, pills and butterflies. However, this 1994 work is purely about marijuana. Tomaselli’s trademark sense of psychedelia is reflected in the minimalist black design and minimal style. Super Plant is currently in New York’s Hort Family Collection.
Dan Colen, Life Marijuana
Although Dan Colen, the party boy of the early aughts, is now sober. However in 2006, he paid homage to marijuana through this mixed-media piece. Colen created a 1969 Life magazine cover that featured a pot cigarette surrounded by a pair lips.
Chris Burden, Coals To Newcastle
Burden used marijuana to perform many of his shows, but Coals To Newcastle, which Burden acted in on December 17, 1978 is his most bold. Burden was named after an English expression that makes a pointless act. He flew two joints grown in the United States from California to Mexico in model planes inscribed “Hecho in America,” “Fumen Los Manyachos,” and “Topanga Typica.”
Melanie Bernier’s spliff packs
Melanie Bernier is a well-known artist and musician. She makes beautiful spliff holders out of vinyl, fabric and thread. Also, she makes wood faux joints to match them. These are great tchotchkes to give to people who don’t want to inhale.
Ricardo Cortes: It’s Only a Plant
Ricardo Cortes is an artist, illustrator and author. Although Marijuana isn’t every parent’s favorite book for bedtime, it makes the point that pot is something millions of people use everyday and that children will gradually become more aware of this fact, often from a less reliable source. Tom Sachs, Bong Hit Station
Tom Sachs’s hilarious 2013 video Bong Hit Station is a tongue-in-cheek, silly guide for getting high. Your average stoner should not attempt to replicate these steps.
Robert Arneson, California Artist
Robert Arneson created the stone sculpture California Artist based on the unfavorable characterizations that he received as an artist in California. He wears an open-denim jacket, salt-and pepper beard and a pot plant.
Bentley Meeker, Bongolier
Bentley Meeker, a light setting up artist, combines high and low culture to create his “Bongoliers”, chandeliers from remade glass bongs. These sculptures combine different sources of light with some showing a wider spectrum while others are more subtle. This sounds amazing. The National Arts Club in New York will host three Bongoliers, from October 28 through November 7, 2015.
It doesn’t matter if you’re invested in music or cannabis, but it’s likely that you have unintentionally seen Greg Welch’s art.
The young artist has created hundreds of art pieces using ground cannabis flowers and similar products. Cannnabiscapes are a must-have item for cannabis enthusiasts. They can be found in art galleries, stores, and album covers.
How did this man go from hiding his real name to promote his art to becoming one of the most well-known pot artists? Collaboration and bartering are key factors in Welch’s achievements. There was no ego involved in this process. It was simply a desire to see his art out there. Show attendees would bring new items to the cannabis industry and offer to trade. It is posted on Instagram and receives some engagement.
This is it! Take a look at all of our suggestions. Until next time.
