My Aesthetic Mind, Body, and Soul
Might be a risky post, but I feel so attached to this aesthetic, art, and imagery. I just want to write a love letter to my favorite type of art and aesthetics. It’s not like an aesthetic I express myself with but more like an aesthetic I feel connected to or find some sort of familiarity, comfort, or solace in.
I don’t think it’s hard to find it jarring from an outside perspective, but I find the duality of good and evil in a religious context so facilitating. Things like demonology, angelology, and religious rituals and studies of all kinds so interesting.
Death and afterlife are things I’m reminded of with this imagery. I think there is a comfort in it because it is a reminder to value my time and my life. Phrases like “carpe diem” and “memento mori” are such beautiful and powerful phrases. Rather than feeling hopeless or anxious about death, I feel it’s something to embrace and be mindful off.
Some of the imagery or art in these collages are not necessarily or outright religious but give off a sense of divinity, purity or otherwise captivating malevolence which I find quite thought-provoking.
Other loosely related topics I enjoy with this aesthetic include but are not limited to: optimistic nihilism, ancient gods, the four horsemen, the Book of Revelations, “The Egg” by Andy Weir, astrological phenomena, the duality of suffering and joy, the supernatural, religious symbolism and iconography, Dante’s Inferno, Renaissance-era works of art, etc.
The concept of aesthetics often intertwines with various philosophical and spiritual thoughts. For instance, optimistic nihilism presents a perspective that can complement the themes explored in this article, inviting readers to find beauty despite the challenges of existence. Ancient myths and religious iconography, such as those discussed in Dante’s Inferno or the Book of Revelations, add depth to this exploration. Engaging with these images allows for a reflection on life’s transience and invites an appreciation for each moment. Additionally, the duality of suffering and joy is a recurring theme in many artistic expressions, where the portrayal of both extremes helps convey profound messages about human experience. This artistic discourse encourages not just contemplation but a deep dive into our personal belief systems regarding mortality and existence. By examining these varied yet interconnected topics, readers can cultivate a richer understanding of how aesthetics shape our emotions and thoughts about life and the afterlife. Discussions surrounding astrological phenomena and the influence of historical art movements like the Renaissance further enhance this dialogue, creating a tapestry of ideas that resonate with the central themes of good, evil, and the essence of being.
I actually love this so much. From the beginning I thought it wasn’t going to be my style, but then I found peace looking at it.