Why do we take drugs?
"Life is such a high". For some, this is enough. Life is enough. They don't need substances to feel substantial. And for those that are left behind, pessimistic, lonely, they need drugs to feel that sense of being that they can't get anywhere else. Am I recommending drugs? No. Am I recommending finding something that fills you with the euphoria that drugs provide? Yes.
I recently visited a local exhibition named: 'Why do we take drugs?' and it opened up my mind to the vast amount of reasons humans have for creating and taking drugs in the first place, along with questioning if drugs are a lot of people's hamartia and whether or not life is redeemable after taking them. "I think museums need to help people answer the most important questions in our society and taking drugs is a fundamental one." - Jago Cooper. The importance of art being a form that people can explore worldly issues is significant regarding human development in understanding the deeper meaning of life. Having the honour of seeing and analysing the art pieces in person at this exhibition transformed my perspective as I believe if I had only seen them online, I wouldn't have felt the embodiment of history behind drugs that was prominent in the art's presence. I think being physically in front of art has a significant impact on one's thought process as you are able and compelled to study every acute detail and gain a grasp on the story behind the piece.
"She is Kate Moss - a rockstar trapped in a supermodel's body"
The iconic Kate Moss is best known for her modelling career, questionable dating history and her use of drugs - a controversial woman indeed. The tryst between success and misery is central for a lot of models, thus exposing themselves to drugs was deemed an easily-accessible escape. The exhibition I visited made me think of her and models around the globe who revert to alcohol and substances as they feel it to be necessary to cope with the ubiquitous stress that comes with the modelling industry. The fashion world is arguably the most competitive environment to be a part of; the cogs that make the fashion wheel turn are those who have killed themselves over and over to be a part of this machine-like industry. Constant failure does improve a person's final outcome and forces them to become more creative, yes, but it can also play a 'be all and end all' for some. The 'Why do we take drugs?' exhibition only consolidated my sympathy for people like Kate as no one should feel as though causing the slow deterioration of your body will make you superior in your profession.
Go to the Sainsbury's Centre now to see this exhibition! Open until the 27th April 2025.
References:
Chaudhari, S. (2024). Norfolk art exhibition explores 'why do we take drugs?' BBC News. [online] 15 Sep. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0rwrk4y2r1o. [Accessed 10 Nov. 2024].
Pullman, L. (2024). Kate Moss at 50: how she stayed on top, by those who know her. [online] Thetimes.com. Available at: https://www.thetimes.com/article/kate-moss-age-50-supermodel-now-3l3vxwlpc [Accessed 11 Nov. 2024].
LaFrenchCom - Agence de communication de crise. (2022). Scandale Kate Moss : Carrière en péril - LaFrenchCom. [online] Available at: https://www.lafrenchcom.fr/faq/scandale-kate-moss-carriere-en-peril/ [Accessed 11 Nov. 2024].
Pinterest.com. (2024). Securly - Geolocation sharing. [online] Available at: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/supermodel-kate-moss--68739280537/ [Accessed 11 Nov. 2024].
bergh, jonna (2024). Grattis Kate Moss, 50: Trenderna du gjort stora! [online] Damernas Värld. Available at: https://damernasvarld.expressen.se/mode/kate-moss-fyller-50-trender-hon-skapat/ [Accessed 11 Nov. 2024].
Aurangzeb, S. (2023). Is Y2K fashion promoting 90s heroin chic? [online] The Gryphon. Available at: https://www.thegryphon.co.uk/2023/01/03/is-y2k-fashion-promoting-90s-heroin-chic/. [Accessed 11 Nov. 2024].
Redbubble. (2024). KATE MOSS FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY 90s Colour Editorial | Poster. [online] Available at: https://www.redbubble.com/i/poster/KATE-MOSS-FASHION-PHOTOGRAPHY-90s-Colour-Editorial-by-HoneymoonHotel/137391622.LVTDI [Accessed 11 Nov. 2024].