”Hippie Modernism: The Struggle for Utopia,” the name says it all. That is the name of the new exhibit featured at the Walker Art Center. This exhibit explores the 1960s-1970s using the unique perspective of the hippie counterculture and their “artifacts.” These artifacts include hammocks, inflatable chairs, crocheted tents, and countless pieces of art, propaganda, and dysfunctional furniture.

This exhibit educates, visually stimulates, and interacts with museum goers like none before. The artwork is vibrant and controversial from the feminist artwork of Sheila Levrant De Bretteville to the anti-war propaganda scattered across the walls—it is clear that the Walker hopes to awe and inspire.

The interactive exhibits were quite impressive as well. Most rooms were used to simulate psychedelic experiences, or to educate visitors about the many ways of hippie life. “The Knowledge Box” by Ken Isaac’s is almost a look inside someone’s mind filled with projectors at every turn. The door closes and this exhibit becomes its own room with a capacity for four people. The “Portable Orchard” by Ben Mayer Harrison and Newton Harrison allows visitors to experience a self-sufficient way of growing food – in this case, citrus trees. Finally, the hammock invites visitors to lounge as hippies lounged. Upon entering, there are six hammocks perfectly positioned and light ambiance music in dimmed lighting.

Behind the controversial pop art and the dysfunctional furniture, the Walker seeks to educate and challenge all of its visitors. This exhibit forces one to examine hippies lifestyles and the reasons behind their choices. To “drop out” of mainstream and live in their own utopia, which is where the mantra “Turn on, tune in, drop out” originates from. This is the idea of “dropping out” and becoming a self-reliant and educated human rather than another taxpaying draftee with conventional furniture.

This exhibit ends on Feb. 28, so hurry over to the Walker Art Center before it’s gone! Luckily, they give discounted tickets with a student ID and Thursdays are free. Head over this Thursday, Nov. 5 at 6:30 p.m. and experience “Hippie Localism” where real hippies will speak of their adventures in the 1960’s-1970’s.