The concept “psychedelic” stems from the Ancient Greek words psychē (mind) and dēloun (reveal), which in general terms translates to “mind revealing.” It could be said that art and any human endeavor is a manifestation of the soul, so all acts are psychedelic in a way. However, in popular culture, psychedelic art refers to saturated colors, interwoven figures, and forms that resemble reality in a fantastical and distorted manner. Art tries to replicate the visions and synesthetic journeys of the mind where time, identity, empathy, and reality mesh together.
Psychedelia is found everywhere, in music, film, literature, and naturally, the visual arts. On this occasion we present 10 visual psychedelic artists you can find on Instagram.
@larrycarlson
His design is precise and filled to the brim with bright colors. It is as if Larry Carlson paints his hallucinations as he experiences them. Carlson is a master who will remind you of the emotions and experiences that come with a synaesthetic state.
@mifsudivisions
Steve Mifsud is modest; he likes to paint and recreate his visions. His designs and paintings usually are ominous and chaotic. Filled with prying eyes, teeth, and slithering tentacles, his art combines harmonious colors and composition, so the viewer is immersed in the visions of the artist. It is a pleasurable and psychedelic experience.
@archannair
Archan Nair is a visual artist who specializes in illustrations and digital art. A self-taught artist, his visual expression shows how our emotions and actions are interconnected in a series of chain reactions that echo through infinity.
@louisdyer
He describes himself as digital art visionary. Without a doubt his work is inspired by that of Alex Grey, but Dryer’s composition is contemporary, with cool toned colors and prefabricated patterns. His neon saturated work is evocative of the wonder and curiosity one feels when submersed in a psychedelic world.
@salviadroid
“Peculiar” is a word one could use to describe these symmetric designs. Art seeks to find metaphors to explain the vast complexity of the mind, and this artist responds to this quest by translating the elusive consciousness into art.
@mxlxtxv
These illustrations could well thrive in a dreamscape. If we were in the nineties, these illustrations would perfectly fit MTV’s psychedelic spots. The artist converges reality with fantastical themes, which are a step away from the abysmal and terrifying.
@hannahfaithyata
Hannah Yata mixes the ugly, beautiful, saturated, opaque, and mysterious with the popular. Her work can be equally beautiful and grotesque and this balance is one step away from madness. For Yata, popular culture is open to criticism and admiration. This is why she creates and destroys her oil paintings, and explores the colorful duality that exists in each one of us.
@enchanted.cosmos
This artist brings her visions to life in an agreeable, colorful, and happy manner. Her art inspires nostalgia in the viewer because they resemble the dreams one has as a child. Her work is audacious, direct, and surreal.
@randalrobertsart
This artist explores the limits and textures of his surroundings. The colors and shapes replicate the shifting energies that are made present in a psychedelic world. His work entails the contrast of tones and textures. The message lying beneath is difficult to untangle.
@luke_brown_spectraleyes
Luke Brown is an artist who specializes in different disciplines, from painting and sculpting to tattoos and digital art. He has created several album sleeves for electronic music and he is deeply immersed in the psychedelic art movement. His work explores the mystical connection between synaesthesia and reality. As we scroll through his work, we obtain hints of buddhist influence, which are reflected in his sculptures. He may work across countless disciplines, but he excels in every one.
