Ken Johnson's 'Are You Experienced?' Explores Psychedelic Influence on Modern Art
In his 2011 publication, 'Are You Experienced?: How Psychedelic Consciousness Transformed Modern Art,' Ken Johnson posits that modern art has been significantly influenced by drug culture. Released by Prestel (ISBN 3791344986, $49.95), the book connects psychedelic experiences with artistic endeavors from the 1960s onward. Drawing from his own experiences during this transformative period, Johnson links drug use to themes of political liberation, cinema, and various artworks. He examines figures such as R. Crumb, James Rosenquist, and Damien Hirst, particularly highlighting Rosenquist's 'F-111' and its ties to altered states of consciousness. Additionally, the book critiques traditional art histories for overlooking the impact of psychedelic culture and references Baudelaire’s insights on drugs, while asserting that drug use does not inherently lead to originality in art.
Key facts
- Ken Johnson authored 'Are You Experienced?: How Psychedelic Consciousness Transformed Modern Art' in 2011
- The book was published by Prestel with ISBN 3791344986 and priced at $49.95
- Johnson argues psychedelic drug culture fundamentally influenced modern art creation and perception
- The analysis covers artists including R. Crumb, James Rosenquist, Robert Smithson, Chris Burden, and Richard Tuttle
- Historical context references Charles Baudelaire's writings on drugs and Delacroix
- The 1960s saw marijuana and LSD become commonplace among American middle classes
- Johnson contrasts his approach with Thomas Crow's 'The Rise of the Sixties' and writings associated with Rosalind Krauss's October
- The book examines connections between drug experiences and works by contemporary artists like Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, and Cindy Sherman
Entities
Artists
- Ken Johnson
- Charles Baudelaire
- Delacroix
- R. Crumb
- James Rosenquist
- Robert Smithson
- Chris Burden
- Richard Tuttle
- Ed Ruscha
- Sigmar Polke
- David Salle
- Cindy Sherman
- Sherrie Levine
- Lucas Samaras
- Jeff Koons
- Tino Sehgal
- Damien Hirst
- Rosalind Krauss
- Thomas Crow
Institutions
- Prestel
- October