Right across the street from Old Navy and Bed Bath & Beyond on Sixth Ave. and 18th St. is New York's own cannabis exhibition called The Stone Age. It opened in a 9,000-square foot space on October 1 and hopes to run through the end of the year.
This is an immersive exhibit featuring psychedelic imagery and drug-war messaging. Walking from room to room, you experience seven "states of being," from enlightenment to awareness, with stops at arousal, creativity, euphoria, pain and mindfulness along the way. Guides gently fill you in and then direct you to the next room.
"This is our passion," says Brooklyn-born Sasha Perelman, who along with Elizabeth Santana, curated the show. "It's rooted in purpose."
The War on Drugs room and the focus on cannabis prisoners are the most powerful parts the exhibit. After reading about the history of prohibition, you enter a jail cell installation with a small bed, a table and one window with views. The prison walls are scrawled with marks counting the days inside. Part of the proceeeds from The Stone Age go to the Last Prisoner Project.
Other rooms are more fun with great art work like Jason Krugman's "Orgasm" light creation and a musical device that allows you to add layers of sound to the mix.
All photos by CelebStoner except for The Stoned Age logo.
