The Swiss chemist Dr Albert Hofmann, discovered the psychedelic properties of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in the 1940s. The compound was studied extensively by psychiatrists for over 20 years, and was found to be an effective agent as an adjunct to psychotherapy. It later became demonised in the wake of the 1960s drug culture and the research ended abruptly. However, LSD and other psychedelic drugs are now being subjected to new clinical trials throughout the world. Dr Hofmann celebrated his 100th birthday last year and still campaigns for the resumption of psychedelic research for psychiatry. This image or ‘light painting’ of Dr Hofmann is by the American artist, Dean Chamberlain, who created it in the chemist's home in Berg. While the picture may look like a computer-enhanced image, it was produced by shooting the subject in complete darkness with a several hours long exposure time. The artist then moved round the frame, exposing all the areas of the subject with a torch and a series of coloured gels. The resulting image is brightly coloured and dappled. A limited edition of signed copies is for sale through the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies website (http://www.maps.org) to raise money for research into LSD. A book of Dean Chamberlain's light paintings is currently being prepared for publication by CoSM Press.
Dr Albert Hofmann (b. 1906). Photograph (1997) by Dean Chamberlain (http://www.deanchamberlain.com). Text by Ben Sessa.
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