Psychedelic art is an art form that emerged in the early 1960s. It was a visual expression of the psychedelic experience and its use of intense colors, abstract shapes, and surrealistic images.
It was inspired by the use of psychoactive drugs such as LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, mescaline, and other hallucinogenic substances. The psychedelic movement of the 1960s was heavily influenced by Eastern religions and philosophies, as well as Western psychoanalytic theory.
Psychedelic art has its roots in Surrealism and Dadaism. The Surrealists sought to explore the unconscious mind through visual expression.
The use of unexpected juxtapositions, dream-like imagery, and distorted forms were all integral to their work. Similarly, Dadaists sought to challenge traditional aesthetic values by creating works that defied logic or reason.
Psychedelic art began to gain popularity in the mid-60s when it began to be featured in underground magazines such as Oz and IT. Its influence spread quickly throughout Europe and America as posters, album covers, light shows, clothing designs, and other forms of creative expression were produced. Many famous artists of this period including Peter Max, Mati Klarwein, Marijke Koger-Dunham, Victor Moscoso and Stanley Mouse all contributed to the psychedelic art movement.
Psychedelic art is often associated with counterculture movements such as hippies and flower children who embraced its vivid colors and fantastical imagery. It also had an influence on mainstream culture as pop music bands like The Beatles incorporated psychedelic visuals into their album covers.
Conclusion:
The history of psychedelic art dates back to the 1960s when it first emerged as a visual representation of the psychedelic experience inspired by hallucinogenic drugs like LSD. It has its roots in surrealism and dadaism which sought to explore the unconscious mind through visual expression.
Psychedelic art gained popularity in the mid-60s through underground magazines before becoming associated with counterculture movements like hippies and flower children who embraced its vivid colors and fantastical imagery. Today it continues to influence mainstream culture through pop music bands who incorporate psychedelic visuals into their album covers.