Psychedelic trips often inspire creation, whether that is through visual arts, music or any other medium. The style known as psychedelic art was born through these experiences. Paintings, illustrations, sculptures and so many other pieces fit into this realm simply from being inspired by a trip. Using bold colors, contrast, swirling shapes, optical illusions, layered patterns, unexpected combinations and psychedelic-specific motifs — like fractals, spirals and eyes — are other indicators of the style.
Engaging modern artists creating such works may take inspiration from those who came before, like Alex Grey and Salvador Dalí, but with a unique touch that makes it all their own.
Hayl Anna
Based in Bellingham, Washington, Hayl Anna paints on canvas and murals around the Pacific Northwest town. She builds vivid, pleasant color palettes into visceral, mind-bending figures that evoke comfort while testing the basis of reality.
Miki Kim
Fine-line Suminagashi tattoos, illustrations, ceramics and clothing — Miki Kim moves through mediums carrying surreal fantasy elements and Eastern themes with her. The unexpected combinations and optical illusions are sure to keep a viewer captivated.
Daniel Herwitt
Works by Daniel Herwitt are often Grateful Dead-inspired, featuring the iconic dancing bears amid surreal illusions. He uses ink and paint to build detailed, fanciful worlds that frequently depict flowers and plants adorned with dripping visuals.
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Edie Fake
American artist and transgender activist Edie Fake creates bold-colored works — often with gouache — that play with shading, colors and shapes in a way that challenges the viewer to contemplate multiple perspectives.
Stella Strzyzowska
Stella Strzyzowska incorporates classic psychedelic iconography, including eyes, spirals and swirling shapes, in her works. She builds consciousness-expanding worlds using oil on canvas and panels, some of which are inspired by psychedelic journeys.
An experience with psychedelics can change how a person sees the world around them. Great psychedelic works aim to do the same. These artists flip reality on its head with paint, pencil, ink and compelling perspectives.
