Blog Post #1: Explore an aesthetic. Students were asked to identify an aesthetic and discuss the context a bit such as when was it created? Who were the big players? What influenced it, what did it grow out of? What has it influenced since then?

Aesthetics Exploration – American Traditional Tattoos

The aesthetic I have decided to explore is the aesthetic of american-traditional tattoos. American traditional tattoos are characterized by the limited color palette these tattoos utilize, the bold black outlines on these tattoos, and their minimal shading. They all typically follow very similar motifs, many of which come from their history of influence from American…

Minimalist Aesthetic

Minimalism Introduction Through my exploration of design aesthetics, I chose to talk about minimalism. This design aesthetic is centered around generating art which consists of placing more emphasis on the quality over the quantity, following the ethos of “less is more.” This is an intriguing art form to me due to the care which artists…

Post 1 – 2024 Aesthetics Exploration

Cottagecore is an aesthetic that romanticizes simplistic, pretty, and quaint rural life. Individuals who adapt this aesthetic typically expand it to their lifestyles, valuing slow paces and creating for themselves. Cooking, gardening, and crafting are common, as well as heightened disconnection from social media and busy culture. Defining artistic aspects of cottagecore spaces include floral…

Aesthetics Exploration: Gorpcore

Gorpcore, a term first coined in 2017, is a fashion style that revolves around wearing functional, outdoors-inspired gear. Named after Gorp, an acronym for trail mix that stands for “Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts”, this aesthetic focuses on wearing high-performance and utilitarian outdoor gear during the average day. In Boulder, seeing someone walk around in…

Aesthetic Exploration: Cottagecore

“Cottagecore” is an aesthetic and design style that romanticizes rural living, natural materials, handcrafted items, domestic work like gardening, and other staples of countryside living. The term cottagecore was officially coined on the blog site Tumblr in 2018 following the aesthetic’s development throughout the previous decade, based on an attraction for rural European life [7].…

Aesthetic Exploration: Industrial Aesthetic

The Industrial Aesthetic was created in the 19th century along with the Industrial Revolution. However, it only gained popularity and became an in the early 2000s.  One of the biggest influences on the industrial aesthetic is industrialization and the “leftovers” from the industrial revolution. Initially, the aesthetic was influenced by the repurposing of industrial buildings…

Aesthetic Exploration – Classical Architecture

In my pursuit of aesthetic exploration, I aim to delve into the intricacies of classical architecture, seeking a profound understanding and appreciation of its timeless aesthetic principles. Classical architecture represents a design ethos rooted in the principles of ancient Greek and Roman architectural traditions, emphasizing elements like order, symmetry, geometry, and proportion. Characterized by the…

Aesthetics Exploration: Techwear

Four people in “traditional” Techwear. [7] Defining Techwear Techwear is a fashion movement that focuses on the vertices between aesthetics, utility, and comfort. It is the intersection between aesthetic and pragmatic logic where aspects of high fashion and streetwear are melded with functionality and designed with technology and versatility in mind.  The functionality of techwear…

Aesthetics Exploration: Organic Modern

Organic modern aesthetics are typically created by designing modern, minimalistic spaces and then adding in natural and organic elements to make it feel warm and cozy. According to Jennifer Kelly Geddes, organic modern design “channels a light, airy aesthetic while combining the best of modern design, natural craftsmanship, and a dash of Scandinavian flair” (1).…

Industrial Aesthetic

The Industrial aesthetic, also known as Industrial design, emerged during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in response to the rapid industrialization and technological advancements of the time. This aesthetic is closely tied to the rise of industrial capitalism and the shift from agrarian economies to manufacturing-based societies. The movement originated in Europe and…

California Beach Aesthetic

Growing up in California I have noticed that there is a distinct beach aesthetic that exists in the reign. Long white sandy beaches, and palm trees boardwalks, can identify the California beach aesthetic. People with blond hair, tanned fit bodies, open-top Range Rover cars, floral light-colored flowy short clothing, and bright pastel-colored bathing suits. California…

Aesthetics Exploration: Industrialism

Introduction The Industrialism Aesthetic is one primarily characterized by the use of unfinished materials, exposed structures, neutral color palettes, openness, functional-minimalism, and urban decay. A good example would be repurposed factory or warehouse spaces; see the Boulder Urban Outfitters store. Boulder UO https://boulderdowntown.com/go/urban-outfitters Boulder UO https://foursquare.com/v/urban-outfitters/4a6a24adf964a520b1cc1fe3 History The industrialism aesthetic has seen two primary occurrences…

Steampunk Aesthetic

Zanderclaus – Steampunk coffee machine – https://www.deviantart.com/xandaclaus/art/Steampunk-Fantasy-Espresso-Machine-977906567 Steampunk is an aesthetic set in an alternate reality or fantasy world where man never progressed past steam power. The Aesthetic is based around the 19th century/victorian era with an emphasis on gears and exposed metal. Not only is the style reliant on metal and steam engines but…

Atompunk

Atompunk is a futuristic aesthetic focused on how the world would have evolved from the nuclear age of the 1950’s and 60’s. In this timeline the transistor is never invented. This is therefore a future without the digital age. Instead of computers growing smaller and smaller, technology is larger and clunky. Every screen uses cathode…

Fantastic Realism

Fantastic realism is an art style that emerged in Austria in the middle of the 20th century. Fantastic realism depicts images that can’t really be explained, but drawn in the style of traditional realism, combining abstract art with incredible realism technique. It is described as ” dreamlike visions from the subconscious painted in a realistic…

Post 1 – 2024 Aesthetic Exploration: Goblincore

Goblincore, also known as Gremilncore, is an aesthetic in which people enjoy slightly less conventional things.  Seen as the “darker companion to cottagecore”, those who enjoy this aesthetic tend to enjoy more natural and thrifted finds that typically consist of earth tones in darker shades and somewhat worn-looking or second-hand clothing..  The main colors used…

Aesthetic Explorations – Frutiger Aero

Bliss – Photograph taken by Charles O’Rear https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bliss_(image)       The Frutiger Aero aesthetic is an aesthetic originating from early 2000’s corporate and digital consumer electronics culture. The Frutiger Aero aesthetic is most recognizable by the iconic Windows XP operating system default desktop background image Bliss, originally photographed by Charles O’Rear in 1996. Frutiger Aero is characterized by…

Gothic Aesthetic

I thoroughly enjoy the gothic aesthetic. I spent last Spring semester studying abroad in Prague, Czech Republic, where I was exposed to gothic structures daily. The gothic movement was initially birthed out of the Romanesque movement in the 12th century in Europe. In an architectural sense, the iconic gothic arch structure was used to allow…

Ametora Style in Japan

The word Ametora means “American Traditional” in Japanese which started in Japan in the 80’s. This style was initially influenced by the style of east coast ivy league college students which were documented by four Japanese style enthusiasts from between 1959 and 1965. This book became a huge success by selling over 50,000 copies worldwide…

Norm-Core, The Joke That Became a True Fashion Trend

Normcore, a term born from the convergence of irony and fashion, represents a departure from the traditional notions of coolness. It transcends the pursuit of uniqueness and authenticity, opting instead for a post-authenticity coolness that revels in sameness. At its core, normcore is a deliberate embrace of the mundane, a rejection of alternative subcultures, and…

Aesthetics Exploration – Cottagecore

INTRODUCTION The aesthetic I have chosen is Cottagecore [1]. This aesthetic encapsulates the essence of simple living, countryside charm, and a peaceful connection with nature [2]. This movement draws inspiration from a romanticized interpretation of western agricultural life, embracing values like gardening, sewing one’s clothes, and a rejection of modernity. Let’s explore the intricate characteristics…

Aesthetic Exploration: Cyberpunk

Introduction: The cyberpunk aesthetic is something that has always caught my eye due to it’s futuristic and dystopian elements. Specifically, the combination of advanced technology, towering skyscrapers, neon lights and a gritty urban landscape. It presented a world with a never-ending upheaval of new technology, but plagued with crime, government corruption and drug culture, which…

Steampunk Aesthetic

Steampunk is an aesthetic that focuses on industrialization in the early 19th century. It often includes mechanical elements such as gears and engines, and highlights the interest of developing technology in the early 19th century. It aims to combine nostalgia of the past as well as mechanical speculation and fantasy of the future. Steampunk art…

The Industrial Aesthetic

A large craze that we have seen take over the world of interior design and so-called “hype” locations is industrial design. With its raw nature industrial design is characterized by exposed beams, harsh unpainted metals, exposed brick, strong angles, and an overall unfinished or unpolished feel. Image from: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/industrial-interior-design-explained Though the aesthetic has grown in…

Aesthetic Exploration: Kawaii

While the word “kawaii” in Japanese means “cute,” its meaning transformed from simply describing something that was lovable to a specific aesthetic that is prevalent in many forms in popular culture today. It was an aesthetic I was obsessed with growing up and it was reflected in a lot of my artwork, but I wanted…

Post 1: Aesthetics Exploration Lo-Fi

Chances are high that you’ve already recognized the image featured in this post, the “Lo-Fi Girl,” who can be credited with bringing the Lo-Fi aesthetic to the public eye in recent years. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfKfPfyJRdk&pp=ygUFbG8gZmk%3D This aesthetic is mainly known for its music, a genre that consists of low-fidelity sounds to make it sound more aged using…

Balinese Architecture

Background During winter break, I had the opportunity to visit Bali with my family. Being someone of Indian descent, I have visited India and other countries in Southeast Asia before. However, the traditional Balinese architecture that I witnessed on this trip amazed me for numerous reasons. Although I could discern influence from Indian, Thai, and…

Aesthetics Exploration: Naturalist Wood

Joshua Beijer Aesthetics Exploration: Naturalist Wood   Michael Hemsworth – ODYWOOD – May 30, 2019 – https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/odywood-kovuk The naturalist wood aesthetic emerged during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to the Industrial Revolution and the growing disconnect between humanity and nature. This artistic movement sought to celebrate the inherent beauty of wood…

Aesthetics Exploration: Seuss’s Surrealism

Dr. Seuss, the beloved children’s author and illustrator, is celebrated for his distinctive aesthetic that combines whimsy, imagination, and surrealism. Surrealism, an art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, seeks to express the irrational and dreamlike aspects of the human mind. Dr. Seuss masterfully incorporates surrealistic elements into his illustrations, creating fantastical landscapes…

Aesthetics Exploration: Brutalism

Brutalism is an architectural style that began in the mid-20th century, characterized by its use of raw, exposed materials, bold geometric forms, and a focus on functionality. The term “brutalism” is derived from the French word “béton brut,” meaning raw concrete, which is a common material used in this style. Brutalist architecture is also characterized…

Photorealism

Photorealism is an art movement that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s, characterized by paintings that are so meticulously detailed they resemble photographs. Artists in this movement use a variety of techniques to replicate the appearance of photographic images, often focusing on mundane or everyday subjects with a level of precision and realism…

Deconstructivism in Architecture and (Later) Fashion

Walt Disney Concert Hall by Frank Gehry – from Wikipedia Deconstructivism is a Post-Modernist architectural movement that appeared in the 1980’s. It was primarily characterized by breaking down the barriers of traditional architectural conventions. It abandons symmetry, continuity, order, and harmony. This was a philosophical reaction to the idea that “form follows function” from Modernist…

Aesthetic Exploration: 19th Century Science Graphics

I’ve always been struck by the appearance of vintage science posters and charts – their combination of Victorian era printing practices, not quite realistic images, and underlying geometry is hard to find in anything else. For me, they spur a feeling of nostalgia for when I was learning the basics in grade school, as well…

Aesthetics Exploration: Brutalism

Fig 1: CU Boulder Engineering Center, Extremely Brutalist. Photo from the CU Boulder Website Brutalism is a aesthetic defined by functionality, a form of architecture that shows the raw materials of construction. Brutalist is defined by exposed construction materials, unusually shaped buildings and monochromatic colors. Many of the monumental concrete structures seen all over the…

Aesthetic Exploration: Surrealism

Surrealistic art is the expression of the imagination. It is said to balance the rational vision of life with the randomness and unpredictability of unconsciousness and dreams.[1] Surrealism focuses on the emotion that is caused from unconventional beauty. Often times with surrealistic art, you will see realistic facial features, like eyes, with an unexpected twist.…

Aesthetics Exploration – Op Art

For this assignment I was really interested in perception and perspective. Particularly, I was inspired by the mathematically influenced art movements. This lead me to look further into the Optical Art movement, or Op Art.  This is characterized by high contrast, strong geometry, and near abstract or surrealist themes can visualize concepts like infinity or…

Aesthetics Exploration: Biomimicry

[1] Leonardo da Vinci’s Sketch of Flying MachineThe earliest prominent instance of biomimicry was Leonardo da Vinci’s sketches of a contraption that mimicked birds to achieve flight. While a working prototype never came to fruition, the premise of drawing inspiration from the environment has persisted to this day with numerous implementations — both practical and…

Post 1 – 2024 Aesthetics Explorations: Solarpunk

Solarpunk is a speculative genre and artistic movement that focuses on renewable energy, integration with nature, and working towards a sustainable future. The “solar” part of the term refers to renewable and sustainable energy and the “punk” in the term refers to the genre’s anti-authoritarian and anti-capitalist ideals.  A large part of the sub genre…