For many individuals, certain characteristics become celebrated. Whether in the form of music, dance, writing, or other forms of art, there comes Aesthetics.
Here we discover the beautiful mystery and interest of the Dark Academia Aesthetic and the significance it plays in subcultures.
What Is Dark Academia as an Aesthetic
To define Dark Academia as an aesthetic, the theme becomes recognized as highlighting writing/poetry, education, and Gothic architecture. Indeed, this aesthetic may appear melancholy and moody to newcomers, but there is a certain charm that captivates.
What is special about this aesthetic is that its reputation has grown within the recent decade. Meaning that it focuses on extending pre-existing aesthetic elements that focus on the arts and upper-class society.
Although Dark Academia appears new to aesthetic fans, this becomes an entirely original theme of its own. To illustrate, some themes explored within Dark Academia range from scholarship, death, weather, classical art, literature, and comfort in the darkness.
In all, as we move further into this article, we will experience the true essence of this charismatic aesthetic.
Origins
To begin, Dark Academia can find roots back to the 1930’s and 1940’s eras. Many Ivy League university-aged students at the time provided the basis for the fashion that evolved into a signature staple.
Interestingly, clothing products like blazers, plaid skirts, cardigans, and Oxford shoes evolved into the predominant representation of Dark Academia. To add, the material of the clothing consisted of tweed and houndstooth.
These became a core ingredient to creating the aesthetic many appreciate today. Another detail to the clothing that manifested Dark Academia arose by sporting colors like navy blue, black, and white.
Furthermore, dark green, beige, and brown also became implemented as the aesthetic further developed. Equally important, Dark Academia returned to prominence in the 1990’s with a novel titled “The Secret History” by Donna Tarrt.
This piece of literature became responsible because it highlights a murder/mystery theme that occurs in an elite college setting. In summary, this became the beginning of an old trend resurging greater than ever.
Rise of Dark Academia in Modern Times
Next, the Dark Academia aesthetic came into prominence with the addition of modern technology. In the year 2015, a social media website named Tumblr began providing further exposure to this captivating aesthetic.
Moreover, book clubs became created that focused on gothic and classic novels. With the addition of central elements becoming celebrated, art began to spread through this social media outlet.
Suddenly, images of calligraphy, libraries, museums, and a predominate autumn setting became the reinvented face of Dark Academia. In addition, further dark elements like candlelight, furniture, and obscure rooms made their way to prominence.
The beauty of this revived aesthetic in the twenty-first century is that many audiences find it nostalgic or maximalist (Minimalist). In modern times, some university institutions that have become used in illustrations range from locations in Edinburgh, Harvard, Oxbridge, and Durham.
In essence, the Dark Academia aesthetic has become celebrated for its value of traditionalism.
A Gothic Aesthetic
Furthermore, Dark Academia has become recognized as part of a subculture in Gothic themes. To illustrate, they both share the subject of sentiment and discover elegance in poetry amidst being in a dark setting.
Overall, they work very close and well with one another as the common ground becomes central to the presentation. To add, Dark Academia finds recognition for somber, beautiful, and temperamental depictions of scenery.
On the other hand, Gothic aesthetics focus more on romance and grim situations like death, supernatural forces, and emotions. Either way, Dark Academia becomes a fine aesthetic on its own regarding traits and total representation.
Core Traits of Dark Academia
When it comes to the heart of Dark Academia, many attributes become highlighted. For example, key values like wisdom, intrigue, and curiosity implement character to this aesthetic.
This creates the image of the aesthetic as history, books, writing, and old buildings become presented with a mystery. On the other hand, Pretentiousness also becomes celebrated by audiences that follow Dark Academia.
Even though it sounds negative, this trait mainly focuses on self-improvement regarding scholarship endeavors. Furthermore, some darker aspects of this aesthetic become recognized as cults, secret societies, and murder.
Another interesting fact about Dark Academia is that the aesthetic focuses on the personal appreciation of surroundings. Although the theme highlights academic endeavors, there comes a more fantasy approach to situations.
This provides a unique result of motivation for young people in their studies. Overall, despite there being a variety of topics celebrated with Dark Academia, one core trait that always prevails is mystery.
Philosophy of a Mysterious Aesthetic
Equally important, comes the philosophy of the Dark Academia aesthetic. One of the most important elements of this aesthetic is that the community enjoys creating a connection with their studies.
Meaning that audiences are set on a more interactive path as they engage in activities related to the aesthetic. Part of Dark Academia’s aesthetic philosophy is appreciating and drawing inspiration from the past.
To illustrate, many illustrations of the aesthetic highlight eras ranging from the Victorian, Classical, Romantic, and Roaring 20’s. Dark Academia may be an extension of its senior predecessors, but there comes further originality.
Furthermore, by providing romanticization to art, people become overwhelmed with euphoria when studying in Dark Academia. Another philosophy that becomes celebrated in Dark Academia is the theme of providing intrigue for intellectuals.
For example, many illustrations in the media often depict students in cliques while working to achieve a common goal. Moreover, this aesthetic serves as an outlet for introverted individuals who enjoy escaping into their imaginations through art.
In close, Dark Academia implements inspiring themes and methods in representation.
Visuals and Approaches
Moreover, Dark Academia illustrations bring a variety of beautiful and mysterious auras. Some core colors used are burgundy, black, crème, gold, dark green, and many more.
Despite the colors, the illustrations are always dimmed as if one was in a candlelit room. In addition, there is a contrast between light and dark which emulate the increased image of shadow effects.
Furthermore, Neo-classical, Gothic, and Beaux-Arts architecture have become featured in depictions as the institutions are built in these styles. Interestingly, Dark Academia sometimes over lapses with other aesthetics, especially when Baroque architecture becomes featured.
Some traits that are shared but not to be confused with are mahogany paneling, classical columns, and rusticated stone. One other dominant feature of this aesthetic is periods originating in Europe.
For example, there are many images of Christian and Classical figures that emulate European culture and beliefs. On balance, Dark Academia emits classic and grand elements that many recognize.
Etchings and Sculptures
In Dark Academia, sketching has become key to providing compelling results. This fits well with the aesthetic because they serve as the portal of visualization of literary characters to real life.
Without etchings, inspiration can be difficult to manifest. Sketches are not typically dominant in illustrations for this theme but inspire quality. On the other hand, sculptures in the Dark Academia always resulted in white marble.
To add, they also mirror the old approaches and styles of Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical methods. One example can be found in the realistic illusion/demonstration of psychological presence, fabric, veins, and flesh present.
Sculptures for this aesthetic emulate a sense of elegance, wonder, and enigma. These elements are important to implement into this presentation because they capture the character and soul of the mystery.
All things considered, sculptures and sketches in dark academia become crucial for overall presentation.
Calligraphy and Stationary
Next, calligraphy and stationary (non-movement) serve a large role in representing Dark Academia. This aesthetic highlights and encourages journaling, letter-writing, and studying, which makes this topic essential.
One interesting feature of writing displayed in Dark Academia is having various old-fashioned methods used to express oneself. For example, one can discover typewriters and fountain pens being used while studying and writing in cursive.
This goes back to the total appeal of what creates this aesthetic. In addition, calligraphy also represents the connection of becoming a part of a secret society.
To illustrate, many writers have certain ways to identify one another through inscriptions and certain styles, like old English. Above all, writing in dark academia becomes the heart of the aesthetic because it forms communication.
In brief, calligraphy provides art and soul.
Images used with Literature
Furthermore, dark academic aesthetics have become prone to diverse ways of expression. To illustrate, images related to novel characteristics play a large influence over presentation.
With additions like antique books, annotations, highlighted lines, and typography, literature becomes the center of dark academic depictions. Interestingly, some languages used in the text are French, Greek, Latin, and English.
This also gives a nod to the core philosophy of learning becoming valued in this aesthetic. Moreover, this has become an interesting aspect for Dark Academia because art, movies, literature, and poetry can be used for display.
One thing to keep note of though is that these actions are not officially used by followers of Dark Academia Aesthetics. Furthermore, it serves as another overlapping method of expression found in other aesthetics.
To sum up, images also play a large role in dark academia.
Boarding School Theme
In Dark Academia, the most dominant theme presented to audiences can almost always find itself back in a school setting. To illustrate, common themes consist of characters sporting uniforms, living in fraternities, and emulating activities with physical activity like running.
These features are key to proper representation because they signify the essence of youth. To add, other elements like kinship, risk, and secrecy are blended to create the aesthetic.
Besides there being educational institutions featured in the Dark Academia, there also come coffee shops. Coffee shops are not as dominant as school institutions becoming present, but they occur from time to time.
This can also be the reason many new and younger generations of audiences follow this aesthetic as the location becomes perfect to study in. The coffee shops illustrated originate from renowned locations in Paris, France.
Altogether, Dark Academia has become celebrated for arranging diverse locations of places to study in.
Violent Representations
Lastly, violent representation in this aesthetic becomes responsible for featuring the “Dark” part in the title. For example, many novels and other forms of media relating to murder and death have become highlighted topics in Dark Academia.
Moreover, one can discover images of weapons like daggers, guns, and toxic substances. Another example can also be seen in images where blood is present on a character’s shirt, inciting bodily trauma.
The last example used to create the dark atmosphere for this aesthetic goes to graveyards. Here, audiences witness the heart of mystery as death plays a role of peace for some.
Meaning that it becomes viewed in a positive light rather than feared, as there comes room for a peaceful afterlife. As shown above, the Dark Academia aesthetic gains genuinely favorable reception from audiences as blended elements of mystery and beauty thrive.
Final thoughts on Dark Academia Aesthetic
Finally, Dark Academia has become central in modern subculture as the aesthetic grows in popularity. For example, in the wake of the recent Corona Virus Pandemic, young students have discovered and now recognize this aesthetic.
In all, this shows how no matter the year or era, this aesthetic will continue to evolve. In addition, the culture of aesthetics revives an appreciation for classic literature and other publication works.
With examples like The Portrait of Dorian Gray, Frankenstein, The Great Gatsby, The Catcher in the Rye, things blossom! Likewise, this theme in aesthetics appears to never fail to fascinate audiences.
In essence, this has become the beginning of a revival of appreciation for beauty and mystery in an academic setting.
Significance of Beauty and Interest of Dark Academia
In conclusion, from mystery, art, wisdom, and style, Dark Academia has become central for many. What makes this so captivating is the perfectly presented visuals and detail illustrated to stimulate the audience’s imaginations.
Furthermore, there comes the part of fans becoming free to express themselves online as they create new settings to share. This gains popularity because it promotes communication between experienced and new fans of this aesthetic when creating art.
To add, many forms of artistic expression present and emulate the heart of Dark Academia. From music, film, literature, theater, architecture, and leisure activities, expression has never become easier!
For the most part, Dark Academia serves as a fine example to follow for other aesthetics. Part of the beauty and core to this theme highlights the total appeal because there comes further development.
In all, this aesthetic will never fail to capture the imagination of audiences throughout the ages.
Works Cited
Goodreads Top 100 Literary Novels of All Time (105 books)
List of Aesthetics | Aesthetics Wiki | Fandom
