Art Exhibition Devoted to Cannabis
One of the first American art exhibits entirely devoted to cannabis is headed to Northern California. The exhibit will premiere April 16, at the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA). “Altered State: Marijuana in California,” will feature art that reflects on the culture and history surrounding cannabis.
“Altered State” examines cannabis under ten sections—Cannabis Science, Medical Marijuana, Profitable Pot, Sacred Ganja, Criminal Dope, Creative Grass, Evil Weed, Politically Loaded, Youth and Weed and Recreational Reefer. Artist Cybele Lyle’s installation, a “Cannabis Confessional,” will let attendees interact with live specimens and share their cannabis-related experiences.
“We have designed an open and participatory experience to engage anyone who has an opinion or wants to learn more about the complex issues and information about this topic, which is relevant to all Californians,” said Dr. Sarah Seiter, Associate Curator of Natural Sciences. “We’re interested in presenting a forum for all sides of deep community conversations about marijuana, its history, politics, culture and impacts on our state.”
“Evil Weed” focuses on the hysterical time period in America immediately following the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937. Retro photographs, newspaper clippings and outrageous pulp novels outline America’s most embarrassing prohibitionist material.
“Altered State” runs from April 16 through September 15 at OMCA. “The roles of museums in today’s world are shifting,” stated OMCA Director Lori Fogarty. “At OMCA, we aim to inspire Californians to create a more vibrant future for themselves and their communities. As part of this, we are dedicated to being a place where people can come learn about complex topics and, more importantly, add their voices and stories to the dialogue. This exhibition is proof of that in action.” Admission is $15.95; $10.95 for seniors and students with valid ID, $6.95 for ages 9 to 17 and free for members and children under eight. Attend on 4/20 for a discounted admission of $4.20.
