Psychedelic Experiences through fashion and the acid aesthetics
My graduation project required us to choose any topic and do an in-depth research in order to write a literature review as a part of our curriculum in the final year of Fashion Media Communication in Pearl Academy, New Delhi. A six-month project including thesis as well as a product, in which I chose “Psychedelia”.
The project is inspired from the controversial mid-60s in America. Far Out! Flower Power. Sex, Drugs and Rock Roll. Tune In, Turn On, Drop Out. America Love it or Leave It. Make Love, not War. Do your Own Thing. Don't Trust Anyone over 30. The 1960s were full of slogans like these that distilled the turbulent times down to sound bits, that encapsulated the contested visions on America's future into a short phrase.
The counter culture had dreams that were lofty and ambitious - to change society so that it was more equal, more tolerant, freer and less violent. After the summer of love, hippie fashion was hot. Tie-dye hippie clothes, hippie beads and head bands, songs like "Are You Going to San Francisco? were all over.
My research also puts light on the major movements during the mid-60s and how the Psychedelic movement in the late 60s was a rebellion to the postwar against the conservative society and was intended to discover a new realm of freedom which had effect on all aspects including music, film, fashion, interior, graphic, art, artistic production, literature and philosophy and what not!
The counter-culture is longest lasting. People still listen to the music produced by counter culture bands, still read The Electric Kool Aid Acid Test, still watch Easy Rider and the numerous other movies that came from the period as well as, the fashion from the sixties is still in their charm and growing and gaining popularity in the contemporary era. Also, I feel with the development in technology, there is endless scope to experiment through various softwares, gadgets, etc. to heighten the psychedelic trip.
I have made an experimental short film/video, an audio-visual art form, which is appropriate to experience the psychedelic experiences. The plot line revolves around self-conflict of Anna (protagonist), who gets content after going through an episode in her subconscious mind. The film moves forward with fashion attempts and aesthetics of the subculture along with the subjects in the film being accustomed to the psychedelic fashion and styling. The status of fashion as a designed object is foregrounded. Hair, makeup and styling supports the character which also supports the key fashion objects featured. Creative and innovative hair and makeup designs complements the avant-garde representation.
Namaste is not simply an experimental short which tells us about Anna’s finding herself amidst chaos and confusion in her subconscious or a subculture but, it tells us something about our own selves.
