Richard Prince's "High Times" series marks a compelling phase in his artistic journey, intertwining his early inspirations with contemporary processes to create a body of work that reflects both personal and cultural narratives. This series, showcased at Gagosian, New York, in late 2018, draws a deep line back to Prince's artistic roots while engaging with modern techniques and cultural dialogues.
The inception of "High Times" is linked to Prince's "Hippie Drawings," which themselves were a product of reflection on his early artistic impulses and a recognition of the intrinsic value and authenticity found in the raw, uninhibited expressions of youth and counterculture. The journey from these drawings to the "High Times" series encapsulates a full-circle moment in Prince's career, bridging his foundational artistic explorations with his current, technologically aided methods (Gagosian) (CR Fashion Book).
Prince's engagement with "High Times" magazine and subsequent cultural collaborations served as a catalyst for the series. His interaction with the magazine led to an opportunity to contribute cover art, connecting his work directly to the broader cultural and countercultural contexts that the magazine represents. This interaction underscores the series' thematic alignment with the spirit of the era it references, combining Prince's fascination with the countercultural movement and his ongoing exploration of appropriation and recontextualization (Gagosian).
At its core, the "High Times" series utilizes inkjet reproductions of Prince's earlier "Hippie Drawings," modernizing and expanding upon them through technological processes. This method allows for a nuanced exploration of form, color, and context, making the series a rich tapestry of past influences and present-day experimentation. Prince's decision to name the series "High Times" ties directly back to his interactions with the magazine, embodying a sense of openness, experimentation, and fun that he identifies as central to the creative process (Gagosian) (CR Fashion Book).
Moreover, the "High Times" exhibition and the works within it stand as a testament to Prince's enduring impact on contemporary art. His approach to the series reflects a broader thematic concern with authenticity, appropriation, and the blurring of lines between art and everyday cultural artifacts. By revisiting and repurposing his earlier works through the lens of contemporary technology and cultural context, Prince continues to challenge and redefine the boundaries of artistic creation and expression (CR Fashion Book) (Ocula Art).
Richard Prince's "High Times" series not only captures the essence of a transformative period in cultural history but also serves as a reflection on the cyclical nature of art, inspiration, and societal change. Through this series, Prince navigates the complexities of memory, innovation, and the ongoing dialogue between artist and culture, offering viewers a multifaceted exploration of the interplay between past and present, tradition and innovation.