Dark academia is a subculture that has surged in popularity over the past few years, particularly among younger generations. It combines a love for classic literature, arts, and learning with a gothic, often melancholic aesthetic. This subculture promotes a romanticized version of academia and intellectualism, drawing inspiration from ancient universities, classical architecture, and the allure of scholarly life.
Read on to learn 10 things about the dark academia subculture.
Origins of Dark Academia
Dark academia traces its roots back to 2014-2015. It gained prominence through online platforms like Tumblr, TikTok, and Instagram, where 14-25-year-old users shared images and ideas reflecting a fascination with gothic architecture, classic literature, and old-world academia. Over time, it has become a broader cultural phenomenon, influencing fashion, literature, and lifestyle.
One important aspect of this subculture is that it highlights a time in academia in the past; it might be gone, but it is eternal. The intellectual, philosophical, and cultural achievements of ancient Greece, Rome, and the Renaissance deeply influence dark academia.
Fashion And Style
Fashion in dark academia is characterized by a blend of vintage and evergreen intellectual styles. It often features muted, earthy color palettes such as browns, blacks, and deep greens. The style incorporates vintage clothing, often reminiscent of the 1930s to 1950s men’s looks, such as tweed blazers, turtlenecks, sweaters, tailored trousers, and oxford shoes.
Key pieces include tweed jackets, plaid skirts, knit sweaters, and leather satchels. According to Pinterest, searches for the term “Dark Academia Outfits” rose 104% in the third quarter of 2023. Accessories such as glasses, pocket watches, and fountain pens add to the scholarly aesthetic. The overall style is academic, polished, and sometimes androgynous, with a hint of nostalgia, reflecting the subculture’s admiration for the past.
Literary Influences
Literature plays a central role in dark academia. Donna Tartt’s 1992 novel The Secret History is often considered the Bible for dark academia enthusiasts. Classics such as the works of Oscar Wilde, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Mary Shelley, and Virginia Woolf are highly revered. Dark academia enthusiasts, who might be seen carrying leather-bound copies of Wuthering Heights or Rebecca, are significantly more likely to read classic literature. These works often explore themes of existentialism, the human condition, and the macabre, aligning perfectly with the subculture’s aesthetic. Reading and discussing literature is the core component of the dark academia lifestyle.
The Role Of Education
Education is highly valued in dark academia, but not in a conventional sense. The subculture promotes a love for learning for its own sake rather than for practical or career-oriented purposes. This often involves a deep dive into the humanities, including existential philosophy, medieval history, and classical literature. Dark academia is the dream of studying at old and prestigious Anglo-Saxon universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard, where students can engage in endless (and often pointless) discussions with lecturers and fellow students over black coffee, red wine, and smoking rolled cigarettes/cigars or enjoy solitary poetry studies from the nineteenth century in dust-filled libraries. Dark academia is characterized by the pursuit of knowledge and the idea of being a lifelong student.
Architecture
Dark academia draws heavily from classical European, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture. The grand, ancient buildings of prestigious universities such as Oxford and Cambridge, with their ivy-covered stone walls and soaring arches, serve as perfect inspirations. The subculture romanticizes these settings, often featuring pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses to libraries with towering bookshelves and candlelit rooms. These elements create a sense of old-world charm, timelessness, and intellectual pursuit.
Iconic Films and TV Shows
Several films and TV shows have become iconic within the dark academia community. “Dead Poets Society,” focusing on poetry, rebellion, and tragedy, is a quintessential dark academia film. According to IMDb ratings, the 1989 film starring Robin Williams has an 8.1 out of 10, indicating its lasting impact. Other notable mentions include “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt, “Kill Your Darlings,” “Maurice,” and the TV series “The Magicians.” In recent years, the “Harry Potter series,” “Wednesday” and “A Discovery of Witches” have been unofficially included. These works often depict elite academic settings, complex characters, and a blend of beauty and darkness.
Music And Soundtrack
The music associated with dark academia is often classical or instrumental. Composers like Chopin, Beethoven, and Debussy are frequently featured in dark academia playlists. The mood is generally somber and reflective, enhancing the intellectual and melancholic atmosphere. Some modern artists, like Hozier and Florence + the Machine, also resonate with the dark academia vibe through their poetic lyrics and haunting melodies.
Philosophical Themes
Dark academia often explores philosophical themes such as existentialism, nihilism, and romanticism. The subculture is fascinated by questions about the meaning of life, the nature of beauty, and the inevitability of death. These themes are reflected in the literature, art, and discussions central to dark academia.
Hobbies
Hobbies within the dark academia subculture often revolve around intellectual and creative pursuits. Reading is a central activity, with enthusiasts devouring classic literature, poetry, and philosophical texts. Writing is another popular hobby, whether journaling, composing poetry, or crafting essays and stories. Many also enjoy engaging in traditional pastimes such as calligraphy, painting, and playing musical instruments, particularly the piano or violin.
Criticism And Controversies
Like any subculture, dark academia has faced its share of criticism. Some argue that it romanticizes an elitist, white, and Eurocentric view of education. The subculture leans towards glorifying the harmful systems of oppression by these prestigious universities. However, many within the community strive to create a more inclusive and balanced approach, focusing on the love of learning and aesthetic appreciation.