In the 90s, the public was increasingly concerned about the rise in drug use among youth (Mayze, 4). During the Vietnam War, American soldiers began experimenting with heroin. In Vietnam, it was cheap and accessible (crimemuseum). Following the war, about 20% of Vietnam veterans became long-term addicts (crimemuseum). When Saigon was captured, Asia was no longer a supplier of heroin. This is when heroin began being supplied from Mexico and the Middle East (crimemuseum). Throughout the period following the Vietnam War, heroin became increasingly prevalent in inner-city America (crimemuseum). Eventually, heroin prices began to increase, and HIV/AIDS spread, causing a decline in the popularity of heroin chic (crimemuseum).
Adolescents have a higher likelihood of trying and becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol (Choudhari, Reasons for abuse). Ages 18 through 25, adolescents are going through a crucial development time where they are susceptible to peer pressure and have increased impulsivity (Choudhari, Reasons for abuse). These conditions, combined with easier access to drugs and alcohol, created the perfect environment for abuse.
The extensive drug culture of this period occurred before safe drug use education was widely established (Sangole, 4). This lack of knowledge led to increased risk-taking behaviour (Sangole, 5). As more young people began partaking in drug culture, more were encouraged to follow. The panic of drug use led to the “War on Drugs” movement (Mayze, 25). It educated users on how to minimize risk, which taught people how to do drugs safely. This, of course, saved many lives, but didn’t slow down the use of drugs (Mayze, 25). The increase in drug use led to an increase in criminal activity (Mayze, 19). The indicators of a deviant were reduced as boundaries of drugs and crime were normalized (Mayze, 11).
I chose this image because of the shirt that King is wearing. This marijuana leaf graphic has been widely used on clothing, products, posters, art and so on. It is the universal symbol of weed. The use of this graphic represents the glorification and normalization of drug use in mainstream culture.
Two cutouts of King’s body are layered, with the monochromatic image in front. For the third image in the back, I used King’s legs to come from behind and layer over the middle image. I took the face of the third image and placed it where the second image's face would be, to bring the face over the monochromatic image.
In the assemblage of this composition, I am creating the illusion of a daze. This piece depicts the feeling of taking drugs and the mind fog that goes along with it. This piece creates confusion, similar to the disorientation caused by drug use.
Piece 9 was appropriated from a photograph by Davide Sorrenti. The model, Milla Jovovich, is lying on a building ledge with her eyes closed in an elegant gown. This image is meant to concern the viewer; it is meant to be edgy. Jovovich is in a dangerous position, yet she is off-puttingly calm. This image reflects the shock value that heroin chic images emulate. The juxtaposition of her elegance despite imminent danger helps explain the glorified rebellion of drug use.
I printed out two versions of the image, one slightly larger than the other. I used different monochromatic filters, one prioritized shadows, and the other prioritized brightness. The larger bright one washed out Jovovich’s face, so I went in with a pencil to define her features. This bright image is reminiscent of a preserved body in a casket. This connection wasn’t initially intentional, but it is something that I drew from the piece. The smaller, darker image was cut into geometric shapes to make it appear as if a glass panel had shattered. I used car cutouts to draw attention to the street below, where life continues while hers may end.
I printed out two versions of the image, one slightly larger than the other. I used different monochromatic filters, one prioritized shadows, and the other prioritized brightness. The larger bright one washed out Jovovich’s face, so I went in with a pencil to define her features. This bright image is reminiscent of a preserved body in a casket. This connection wasn’t initially intentional, but it is something that I drew from the piece. The smaller, darker image was cut into geometric shapes to make it appear as if a glass panel had shattered. I used car cutouts to draw attention to the street below, where life continues while hers may end.
The image is cloudy, creating a dazed perception. The first image is in its original colour and represents the first stage of a drug-filled experience. The second image has elements of the first stage, but her head is dislocated, and she has begun to fall into delusion. The final, smallest image is torn to show the most disorienting stage of drug use. The inclusion of her clothing in this image shows the holes and discoloration in her shirt. This shows the contrast in her bone structure, highlighting her angular form.