What contribution has drug use made to art, literature and music?

Question

Has drug use has played an intrinsic role in the development of the Arts? Can you name any individuals who's works have been influenced by drug use? Given the negative portrayal of drugs in the media, has the creative element and influence of drug use been ignored?

Answer 1

Unmeasurable. Drugs have been consumed (in for of alcohol) for over 5000 years. Wine was the beverage of the people because it didn't go bad. It's almost practical to think that a huge percentage of ancient art was completed by a "drugged" artist. In more recent times (1600-1900) absinthe, a psychoactive alcohol drink, was undeniably used by the Renaissance greats. Upon the advent of synthetic psychoactives (LSD) and the popularization of use of drugs, such as, concaine, heroine, marijuana, crack, etc, our greatess 20th century artists have been "using" not only more drugs but even more variety. It's not uncommon to hear of artists dieing of drug overdoeses, so think of all the artists who haven't OD'ed. It's a mind-boggling fact.

As for specific examples, my above response should put unnumeriable examples in your head.

Since there have been laws, people have been breaking them, for a variety of reasons. Drug use is a sign of rebellion, free-spirit, creativity, fun, et cetera. The "negative portrayal of drugs in the media" is a giant "ball" of rumors, facts, hyperbole, and flat out lies. While some things that people hear in the media about drugs are fact-based, a large percentage of the rest are simply scare tactics to keep people off of them. As you can see from history, people don't follow rules, especially those concerning drugs. The Renaissance period in Europe, as well as the Enlightenment, enstilled great desire in people for independence and unresricted free-will. Moving to more recent times, drugs have had a continual use by society and artists. In conclusion, yes the creative element and influence of drugs have been utterly ignored.

Answer 2

I don't think it's much of a secret that the Beatles, along with a number of other musicians of influence, were experimenting with drugs during the late 60's, and that is reflected in their music. Much of the music of the late 60's and early 70's was influenced by the drug culture of that era. Whether one considers that music a contribution or a detriment depends on one's perspective. Still, the influence cannot be denied. Many people believe that their music developed a new level of sophistication and meaning during that era.

Answer 3

Tough to quantify since no known longitudinal studies have been done to track this specific influence. My guess is that drug use does have a peripheral benefit, in that it artificially frees the artist to explore their craft. However, I would doubt that drug use in itself contributes to creativity. Would one then postulate that anyone could be an artist if they took drugs? I wonder how much Da Vinci, Titian, or Michelangelo would have accomplished if they had discovered meth? It is very likely that many drugs mimic many of the body's own chemistries in how they influence brain activity, and in taking drugs, forces this phenomenon but to the physical detriment of the individual.
I think the artist was created before they discovered drugs.

Answer 4

Ray Chareles-herion
Kurt Cobain-Herion
The BEatles-LSD and CAnnibis
Salvador Dali-Hashish
Charles Dickens-Opium
Allen Ginsburg-Nitrous
Billie Holliday-herion,opium
Andrew Jackson-Cannabis
Stephen King-Cocaine
Picasso-Opium
Hunter S Thompson-Cannabis

Yes I think its not talked about and the few i have up there aren't even close to a true # of those you could consider 'artists under the influence.' We all know that drugs make your brain operate in a different way than normal,and this ability in itself thats desired in an artist. And i think its naieve for us to pretend a positive from drug use doesn't exist. These people above prove to evey genre that it does.

Answer 5

I think it fed it's own false mystique and became part of the music scene, people like the stones, dylan, the dead, aerosmith all were connected with rock but they did it because they were allowed to and had no one telling them they couldn't. the old country line like hank williams weere felons, wife beaters and drunks and rappers who dont do jail time aren't taken seriously, rocks creds came connected with drug use. up until the past ten years artists, musicians especially didn't have to care or think about being role models. the only drug a real artist needs is the creation and performance drugs. what we need are real musicians and artists ( photo, act, etc)who can kick *** substance free and get off on nothing else.



Vin

Answer 6

I can often be inspired by a piece of music or a painting. I have written a poem whilst listening to Vaughan Williams and The Lark Ascending. Also I wrote a poem about the painting. The girl with a pearl ear -ring. Both music and painting feature a great deal in my life apart from poetry.

Answer 7

snoop dog, jimi hendrix. the beatles eminem nirvana d12 most artist are influence by drugs because it does open your mind to new and spectaculat things and it also makes you feel brave enough to create amazing pieces.
the creative element has been ignored because most people cannot control their drug use so the media does not promote because of that. Drugs are negative if abused.

Answer 8

One of the best music albums ever:

drugs + The Wizard of Oz = Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon.

Drugs even back in very old times have been used to open ones mind to see things they would not normally see and that has shown itself extensively in art and music.

Answer 9

I think finnegan's 360page reveals a lot about the juxtaposition of drug use and creativity

Answer 10

i think they should put an asteriks by the career of any artist that used drugs. it's like an athlete using steroids.