A new art show on the South Coast features some often overlooked art.
“The Otherworld” features works from two centuries of psychedelic art.
"It expands art making by people who are accessing otherworlds by different means, either chemistry, religious experience, or just by artistic license," said Michael Pearce.
Pearce is a California Lutheran University art professor who is curator of the exhibition, which is in the university’s William Rolland Gallery of Fine Art. He talks about why he wanted to create the show.
"Throughout my entire life, not seeing any recognition for them in the world, which I don't understand," said Pearce. "So many people like this kind of art."
One of the featured works in the “Otherworld” exhibition is the original album artwork by artist Roger Dean from the Yes album Relayer.
"It's a beautiful piece, with the rattlesnakes coiled in the front," said Pearce. "It's very strange to see this in front of me in the gallery," he said. "It's so iconic. It's been printed millions of times."
The exhibition curator walks us over to another of the works, one the size of a giant poster which features the painting of what appears to be a psychedelic Cheshire Cat. It's called Nuclear Mystics, and has images embedded inside of images.
What does curator Michael Pearce hope that visitors take away from the exhibition?
"Pleasure, definitely pleasure," said Pearce. "We've timed this for the end of COVID, and we want people to come enjoy themselves."
“The Otherworld” runs through February 3 at the William Rolland Gallery. It’s located in the William Rolland Stadium on the Cal Lutheran Campus.
The exhibition is free, and open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Cal Lutheran is the parent of KCLU Radio.
