Clothing, Art, and Music Reform in the Hippie Era

By: Kelsey Kehlenbeck

The beatnik group later evolved into a more psychedelic group known as hippies. Similar to the beats, the hippie community consisted of rebellious youth who also connected with their sexuality and use of hallucinogenic drugs. Hippies expressed a free spirited lifestyle through music, art, and clothing. Music had a major impact on the hippie movement because of the emotional, spiritual, and political lyrics that spread the message of peace, love, and unity across America. Hippies also used music as a voice for their many protest. Song lyrics portrayed their dreams and ideas about life. Famous music artist such as Morrison, Hendrix, and Joplin openly used drugs while performing on stage. Rock and Roll was the style of music played by these bands that gave fans a satisfying emotional high. Andy Warhol, a pioneer of art in the 60’s, changed the view of art by taking photographs of popular movie stars, then horrific tragedies, and later on creating colorful paintings of flower petals. Colorful swirling patterns, tie-dye, and graffiti were all forms of popular art in this era, as a result of hallucination from psychedelic drugs.  Colorful patterns also reflected in hippie fashion. Loose fitted tops, tie-dye clothing, bellbottoms, scarves, vests, headbands, and long beaded necklaces are some examples of fashionable clothing items of hippies.

 

By: Lori Thomas
Out of the hippie movement emerged great music, literary, and art reform. The use of Marijuana and LSD proved an effective muse in creating new lyrics and sounds. The Trips Music festival was held in Golden Gate Park within the Haight Ashbury District. Some describe this festival as a precursor to Woodstock. Hundreds of thousands of hippies gathered in Woodstock, to drop Acid, smoke Weed, and experience each other sexually, spiritually, and socially. Some of the most influential musicians of the time provided a musical backdrop to keep the crowd rolling. Despite rain, mud ,and bad drugs, Woodstock continues to be a defining event of this era.