Introduction in English

The basic information about the portrait exhibition of the Legalization association

G. K. Chesterton, once quoted: „We don’t change reality to reflect our ideals, we change our ideals – it’s more comfortable.” and with these words he paradoxically and perfectly described the attitude of the times in terms of the goverment elite’s view towards marihuana. The fact is that marihuana has a far less devastating effect on the body than, for example, alcohol, which is commonly tolerated. Futhermore, unlike alcohol and other legal substances, marihuana has proven medicinal properties .

From the times of the forefathers of American democracy, intelligent personalities have from time to time wondered about absurd situation and loudly inquired: „Wait a minute, this doesn’t make any sense!“ Why would these good men, who we selected ourselves, conciously create bloody and meaningless conflict? There are a few possible answers, but maybe we can sum all the complicated facts and come to a simple conclusion that conditions at present suit the goverments all over the world.

Every year in certain countries large marches for the legalization of marihuana, called generally „Million Marihuana Marches“ , také place. It has had a growing number of participants in the Czech Republic since 1999, who have tried to use strength in numbers to open a dialog regarding legalization. Since the first march, all of the days activities promoting non-violence and cultural awarness have been coordinated by LEGALIZACE.CZ. Along with the demonstrations connecting hundreds of people, new volunteers are getting in on the action, integrating possible ways to form a pro/marihuana argument which has the strength to portray marihuana in the correct light, without the popular slogans or politically shapes declarations typically associated with it.

Based on our own fascination with the march and all the impressions of the attempts of Legalizace.cz, we – the artists of the group Leviathan – decided as one man to support the fight for legalization. For the march, we created a simple concept which is based on the image of the crowd, which honorably holds the single faces of the personalities, who are in their own way a fine and decent examples for the legalization of marihuana. Each chosen personality has its own fascinating life story, which gives him/her their credibility. SImilarly as parents and teachers are childhood examples, who bestow education and common sense, particular individuals can show us that lawmakers do not always stand for true values. Man has right to doubt himself, but not the truth.

By buying our portraits, you would support the Czech association for Legalizing the Marihuana and the possible development of this project…