Will The Visual Arts World Propel The Popularity Of Cannabis?
There’s no question that pop culture has a major impact on our society, but what about the visual arts world? If singers and athletes can increase the popularity and acceptance of cannabis, could painters, illustrators and graphic designers do the same?
For centuries, visual artists have had an impact on cultural trends. From the classical era to cubism, art has always propelled society to dress, act, and think differently. So, why wouldn’t the art world have some effect on the 21st century?
The Visual Arts World Changed Society’s Views On Cannabis For The Better
During the hush-hush eras of cannabis, the only ‘artwork’ was ads warning against the dangers of marijuana. It wasn’t until the 60s when events like Woodstock became popular, and you’d see pot leaf artworks floating around as buttons or on T-shirts.
Still, cannabis was considered the ugly stepchild of the pure, apple pie American family. So, what changed in the 21st century to allow us to have cannabis-themed cooking shows, painting classes and outdoor events such as the Mile High 420 festival in Colorado?
Well, pop culture surely had something to do with it, as many music artists, athletes, actors and social media influencers have openly admitted to using cannabis regularly. This gives people who are on the fence about supporting cannabis an excuse to say, “Well, look! So-and-so is doing it, too!”
However, we often forget about the impact that the visual arts world has on society. If not for our painters, illustrators and graphic designers, we wouldn’t have any visual representation in society. No animated movies, no logos, no designs on your skateboards, no posters to hang in your bedroom. A life without art is not a life at all, and society depends on these artists for all of its visual representations.
By recognizing and representing the artists that include cannabis depictions into their artworks, we can continue to move closer to nationwide legalization.
How Visual Artists Have Depicted Cannabis In Their Artworks
The artists listed below have created some pretty incredible works of art that depict cannabis, but how do they do it?
Scientifically speaking, cannabis could make you more creative. Our brain’s frontal lobe is associated with creativity, and cannabis consumption increases the blood flow to this area. So technically, pot can make you more creative.
Or, these artists have massive skills and just-so-happen to smoke. Either way, they are helping us move towards a more inclusive society.
Many of these artists incorporate the cannabis plant and smoke directly into their artworks. Others depict subjects smoking, or their interpretation of a ‘visual high.’ Check out their artworks below:
- Anita Toke– this artist uses her talents to urge others to explore the natural benefits of cannabis consumption. She depicts the cannabis plant in all of its glory and uses bright, vibrant acrylic colors on canvas.
- Alexandra Caprice– this artist depicts modern-day animated women smoking up in normal, conspicuous places. Additionally, her bright, colorful illustrations help normalize women who smoke weed.
- Pierre Schmidt- this German artist, who also goes by Drømsjel, likes to depict distorted women with flowers growing out of their bodies and surrounded by the stars and galaxies. These works of art depict Schmidt’s battle with “the impulsivities of his psyche,” and they are unarguably very, very trippy.
- Fernando de la Rocque– this Brazilian artist believes that it’s important to have the freedom to smoke cannabis, but to also have the freedom to think about it and make art with it. Additionally, he uses pre-cut stencils and cannabis smoke to create his artworks. His most popular series, “Blow Job” depicts political and religious figures with cannabis smoke.
- Vincent Gordon– this artist’s love of cannabis propelled him to create legalization propaganda pieces. His eccentric, colorful animations bounce off the page, and he’s even created some trippy pieces for snoop dog and High Times.
Colorful marijuana plant, created by Anita Toke. 
Bright, colorful, animated depiction of a woman consuming cannabis, created by Alexandra Caprice. 
Intimate, trippy depiction of a woman with flowers growing from her head, created by Drømsjel. 
Depiction of a man holding two thumbs-up, created by Fernando de la Rocque using cannabis smoke. 
Trippy depiction of Daffy Duck smoking a fatty, created by Vincent Gordon.
The Bottom Line
These are only a few artists who consume and depict cannabis in their artworks. Their amazing artwork is helping us move forward with worldwide cannabis acceptance, and one day it may become completely legalized in the U.S.
So, if you’re thinking of different ways to support cannabis legalization, you should check out some of these dope artists. Additionally, you should check out and support some of your local artists. You never know, they might incorporate cannabis, too.
