# Illegal Drug Images 'The Institute of Illegal Images' Showcases Blotter Art By Robyn Currie | Published 2010-05-27 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blotter-art References: [cakeheadlovesevil.wordpress](http://cakeheadlovesevil.wordpress.com/2010/04/25/institute-of-illegal-images/) & [juxtapoz](http://www.juxtapoz.com/Features/blotter-art-the-institute-of-illegal-images) 'Blotter Art' is perhaps one of the strangest and potentially illegal art collections one could get into and here is why: blotters are sheets of paper dipped in a hallucinogenic drug. When torn apart, the sheets become stamp-sized, individual pieces, perfect for that [Pink Floyd](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magicos2) concert. When left to their original shape and size, they are [masterpieces of artistic ingenuity](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/painting-exhibition). The Institue of Illegal Images and collector Mark McCloud own the [extensive collection](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/banned-books-jail) seen above. Blotter Art is a kind of legal grey area, so collect at your own risk. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 42% | Activity: 3% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Hallucinogenic Art:** Opportunity for artists to create unique and visually stunning pieces using psychedelic drugs as a medium. - **Legal Gray Area Collectibles:** Opportunities for collectors to explore unique and hard-to-find memorabilia in legally ambiguous markets. - **Psychedelic Nostalgia:** A growing trend in the nostalgia market, offering individuals a chance to own pieces that are both visually striking and historically significant. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Art Collecting:** Opportunities for art collectors to explore a new niche that combines underground art with an intriguing backstory. - **Psychedelic Culture:** A chance for businesses to tap into an emerging subculture that values alternative experiences and non-traditional forms of expression. - **Nostalgia Market:** Opportunities for entrepreneurs to capitalize on the growing trend of retro and vintage collectibles, appealing to consumers' desire for unique and meaningful items. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Medicine-Inspired Artful Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/something-for-the-pain.md) - [Psychedelic Skateboard Decks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-psychedelia.md) - [Psychedelic Hand-Painted Cabinets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collection-iii.md) - [Graphic Colorful Joint Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/richard-prince.md) - [Colossal AI Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-artwork.md) - [Collectible Historical Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thrilljoy-pix.md) - [Marble-Patterned Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/psychedelic-interior.md) - [Digital Graffiti NFTs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graffiti-wall-collection.md) - [Boundless Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frameless-experience.md)