Ergot

Ergotism is the effect of long term ergot poisoning, due to the ingestion of the alkaloids produced by the Claviceps purpurea fungus which infects rye and other cereal crops. As well as seizures there can be hallucinations resembling those produced by LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), and mental effects including psychosis. In less wealthy countries ergotism still occurs: there was an outbreak in Ethiopia in mid-2001 from contaminated barley. This painting is a collaboration with Andrea Farmer. 30 x 30 cm. £150