Multiple other fandoms also contributed to the development. Similar with other fandoms, the The Secret History fandom produced moodboards however, they did not resemble the typical Dark Academia aesthetic, instead taking on a more minimalist look with photographic emphasis on symbols relating to characters, typography and fancasts. The aesthetic resembled a book club more than a true aesthetic and users largely communicated through asks and reblogs to discuss the work itself, with less of an influence placed on fashion and lifestyle. The tag "Dark Academia" originated sometime around 2015 on tumblr and had a relatively smaller reach and referred to the main work that started the aesthetic: The Secret History. Its publication of 2019 also links this article to the rise in popularity c. Additionally, her androgyny, close friendships and rock-and-roll lifestyle are admired by the Darkacademic audience. The sublime, picturesque and beautiful are concepts frequently repeated by the narrator, Richard Papen the main characters vacation in a remote mansion and get drunk, discuss intellectually stimulating topics and lived decadently, like the Romantic poets did in their famed Geneva trip and the ritual for Bacchanal is a representation of the same fascination with the irrational.Īppreciation for Donna Tartt herself comes from the Esquire article "The Secret Oral History of Bennington: The 1980s' Most Decadent College," which describes "the baroque wickedness, the malignant glamour, the corruption so profound as to be exactly what is meant by the word decadence." This cements the connection of Donna Tartt and her alma mater to the precedents. The later Aesthetic and Decadent movement, headed by Oscar Wilde, lends the "dandy" and homosexual aspects of the internet aesthetic.Īll of these historic periods were reflected in Donna Tartt's The Secret History. Much of their poetry, art, and prose is posted on social media sites. Their works emphasized emotion, imagination, and the historical. The cohort was known for writing poetry and prose of great beauty while living languid and privileged lives. The largest and most notable influence on the aesthetic is the ideas and lifestyles of Romantic-era nobles and intellectuals such as Lord Byron, Percy Shelley, Mary Shelley and Edmund Burke.
This phenomenon is largely confined to social media such as tumblr, Instagram and Tiktok. The Dark Academia aesthetic referred to in this article is within the context of mid-late 2010s-early 2020s internet culture wherein users, largely teenagers, discuss the contents of the page online.
Rather, it is a continuation of different pre-existing aesthetics that had a basis in artistic periods, literature and mannerisms surrounding the upper class. It is important to note that in multiple ways, Dark Academia is not new. 8.1 Aestheticization of unhealthy behavior.6.3.1 Official Aesthetics Wiki playlist.However, using this term in other contexts could potentially cause confusion as the title "academic" typically refers to researchers and professors, while DarkAcademics do not necessarily have recognized credentials. People who use this aesthetic are usually referred to as Dark Academics. Characters within the works of fiction associated with Dark Academia, specifically The Secret History and Kill Your Darlings, live decadent and self-destructive lifestyles involving drugs, moments of intense violence and secrets. Secret societies, cults and murder are common subjects within the aesthetic. Other than the appreciation of learning, Dark Academia includes motifs of criminality, danger and mystery. Making grandiose statements and wishes for success is a common text post subject. Romanticizing education and moments in life is the core appeal of the aesthetic. Pretentiousness is celebrated within the Dark Academia community. These are now seen as unusual and slightly esoteric, creating an allure that presents schooling as not dreary or boring, but one that cultivates mystery, curiosity, and diligence that isn't commonly seen in contemporary schooling. The upper class of this time period emphasized a liberal education in which Latin, rhetoric and classics were taught subjects. It is one of several variations of Academia aesthetic, each with a unique subject focus.ĭark Academia's visuals stem primarily from upper-class European culture of the 19th century, Gothicism, and American Prep. Dark Academia is a popular (and the original) academic aesthetic that revolves around classic literature, the pursuit of self-discovery, and a general passion for knowledge and learning.