Smoking Fantasies in Visual Culture of the Late 19th Century and the Early 20th Century as an Inspiration for Masha Topal Runway Collection

Poppy - a symbol of fertility, oblivion, idleness the mythological image is a sign of sleep and death, and the blooming unprecedented beauty, also a symbol of unfading youth and female charm. Conscious plants are known man from ancient times. In different parts of the world ‚ various peoples included such plants in their everyday culture. Traces of the poppy, its mystical and intoxicating effects can be detected in material culture, arts and crafts and fine arts, as well as in religious and bright literature. Poppy - sleeping pills or opium (Raramog zotiyelit 1.) came to the East - to Iran, India and China in the X century, and if until that time he was known only as a food plant, then from the 10th century they began to grow it in order to obtain opium. From immature flower boxes receive thickened milky juice, the use of which leads to relaxation, bliss and hallucinations. The addiction to burning opium began in the 13th century in India and later in China, where to century has reached such enormous proportions that the government was forced to resort to full a ban on the cultivation and import of opium. Contrary to this a ban on the East India Company begins use opium as a currency to keep trade with China, leading to the opium war and popularization of this drug in Europe and America. Since the 19th century, "opium chic" penetrates into art, which is reflected in painting, graphics, photography, interior design and fashion. Aesthetics of fantasies and dreams begin firmly associated with narcotic sleep and the image of poppy gets double-witted semiotic meaning. The relevance of the work is confirmed by the presence of acute drug use problems in 21 eyelid and their impact on all spheres of society and culture even if it does not recognize it. We are still we unconsciously use and are inspired by those images that arose 100 years ago, The drugs that shaped our culture on throughout the previous century, however help to understand what was most desired for every generation and what they lacked most. Drugs are thus addressed cultural question to be answered, whether thirst for transcendental spiritual experiences productivity, fun, a sense of exclusivity or freedom. In this thought, the drugs that we accept, act as a reflection of our deepest desires, imperfections, the most important sensations, creating the culture in which we live.