Content creators in different sectors of contemporary culture, including art, often draw upon multiple things for inspiration. And for some good time now, cannabis has actually been a great motivation for many. In fact, you may be surprised to discover that in regions like Japan, artists could create drawings featuring cannabis leaves as early as 5,000 BCE.
Things don’t seem to have changed in our contemporary world, and if you have questions about how cannabis continues to impact modern culture, you have just arrived in the right place. Here, we will go into the depths of this matter while highlighting some intriguing insights.
Where have we come from?
It’s actually true that cannabis has had multiple applications since time immemorial. For instance, a considerable number of patients have been using medical cannabis for anorexia treatment, but this is not all there is. In traditional Indian art, for example, artists could apply cannabis leaves as decorative motifs. At the same time, ancient Chinese cultures used hemp fibres in textiles, adding an element of endurance and adaptability to the products.
Fast-forward to the 20th century, cannabis saw a great reemergence and became a critical element of countercultural movements. If you can remember, the psychedelic movement of the 1960s featuring swirling, bright colours and trippy patterns created a lasting visual language associated with the plant. Well, this has changed a little bit, as contemporary artists and designers prefer cleaner and minimalistic styles.
A more relatable example of this evolution is Jessika Green’s artistic work, featuring sleek, contemporary cannabis packaging and brand designs. This makes her work a clear demonstration of how cannabis art has moved from conspicuous imagery of the past to more refined looks. Green’s work often involves a minimalist approach that appeals to wider audiences.
Unsurprisingly, this trend extends beyond packaging. About half a decade ago, several artists performed at the Altered States: Cannabis in Contemporary Art event at the Oakland Museum of California, exploring the cultural and political dimensions of cannabis. In their presentations, the artists discussed how the plant could be used to facilitate broader societal conversations, among many other things.
Cannabis and the digital art revolution
You will agree that online platforms have really transformed how we interact – not only in art but in other sectors as well. For example, you can access the best weed strains with just a simple button touch without visiting a physical location. However, this innovation has not only improved access to different services but also provided good grounds for other tech advancements.
Let us take cannabis-themed NFTs, for example. These collectables often feature intricate visualisations of the plant or weed-inspired psychedelic art, giving artists new avenues for exploring and monetising their work. A great example that you may have encountered is the Higher Frequency NFT series, which combines cannabis imagery with futuristic digital designs. It adds a fresh breadth to the relationship between the plant and altered states of consciousness through its surreal depictions of the cannabis plants in cosmic landscapes.
Do you remember Andy Warhol, who radically changed the art industry by embracing silk-screening printmaking? Well, this artist actually tried implementing marijuana-themed art in a pop context to highlight different societal aspects. Modern artists like Murakami and Shepard Fairey have taken up after him, incorporating cannabis iconography to depict different cultural issues.
Beyond art: Cannabis in fashion
Luxury brands, designers and other key players in the fashion industry are also giving cannabis a great welcome. Especially after many states and countries began to legalise the plant, this trend became common as designers had the freedom to explore cannabis themes. Brands like HUF and Supreme have been taking advantage of this trend by adding old graphics and slogans that resonate with younger audiences.
High-end brands have also followed suit. Alexander Wang and Jeremy Scott, for example, used cannabis imagery in runway collections to bring out themes of exclusivity and progressive values. Perhaps you have noticed embroideries of cannabis-leaf motifs on designer jackets, custom accessories and printed bags.
Expectedly, emerging designers, including Andrea Lieberman and Pamela Costello, have also been dancing to this tune. In fact, according to Lieberman, there was a destigmatisation of the aesthetic across society, evidenced by the increasing number of brands adopting it. It could actually be part of the reasons why Allied Market Research expects the global hemp clothing market size to grow to $23.02 billion, translating to a CAGR of about 27.1%.
What is the conclusion?
Ever since regulations about cannabis were relaxed in different jurisdictions and states, the plant has continued to experience great welcome in many sectors. As much as many artists of yesteryears took advantage of the plant in their work, the trend seems to have increased more in our contemporary age.
Those who are acquainted with the works of people like Murakami can well attest to this fact. Besides the art industry, cannabis styles have also become evident in the fashion industry, with both established and emerging brands adopting them.
