50+ Aesthetics Explained in 20 Minutes

Summary

This video script offers an in-depth exploration of various aesthetics, categorizing them into nine distinct groups ranging from Academia to Fiction Genre Aesthetics. It delves into each aesthetic's unique characteristics, emotional resonance, and cultural significance. From dark and light Academia to Y2K and cyberpunk, the script provides a comprehensive guide to the diverse ways individuals express themselves through color, imagery, and lifestyle, reflecting on nostalgia, rebellion, and the pursuit of identity.

Takeaways

• 📚 Academia Aesthetics are centered around learning and knowledge, with variations like Dark Academia emphasizing a moody, 19th-century European academic vibe, and Light Academia focusing on positive themes.
• 🎨 Art Academia is about the love of creating art, featuring anatomy drawings and life studies, while Chaotic Academia embraces the imperfect and messy student lifestyle.
• 🌸 Pastel Academia, created out of boredom during senior year, is an Asian-centered aesthetic inspired by East Asian cultures, characterized by pastel colors and a more colorful approach compared to other Academia styles.
• 👜 Fashion Aesthetics encompass a wide range of styles, from ABG's rebellion against Asian stereotypes to Old Money representing generational wealth and a traditional style.
• 🌟 Softy Aesthetics, including Soft Girl and Soft Body, are about feminine and cute dressing, often using pastel colors and stuffed animals for a youthful look.
• 🔮 Abstract Tech and Corporate Memphis represent early 2000s designs, with the latter being minimalist corporate illustrations that are widely used and sometimes controversial.
• 🌐 Internet and Media Aesthetics like Liminal Space and Low-Fi are prevalent online, with Liminal Space evoking feelings of loneliness and fear through images of empty, outdated places.
• 🏡 Lifestyle Aesthetics such as 1950s Suburbia and Minimalism reflect different ways of living, from the idealized American dream to a simple, decluttered lifestyle.
• 🇺🇸 Stereotype Aesthetics like Americana and Preppy are based on American culture and upper-class fashion, while VSCO Girl is associated with a specific Gen Z aesthetic and lifestyle.
• 🧼 Psychological Aesthetics, including Clean Core and Medical Core, are coping mechanisms for those dealing with anxiety or traumatic experiences, often using surreal and cute imagery.
• 📻 Fiction Genre Aesthetics such as Analog Horror and Cyberpunk depict dystopian futures and are often used as social commentary on issues like class inequality and capitalism.

Q & A

What is an aesthetic according to the video?

An aesthetic is a collection of colors, imagery, objects, or fashion that all convey a similar emotion, often grouped together to convey a certain meaning.

What is the significance of the term 'chor' in the context of aesthetics?

Chor is a suffix used to describe anything that is similar in some way and that's grouped together to convey a certain meaning, similar to how aesthetics are categorized.

What are the different types of Academia Aesthetics mentioned in the video?

The video mentions Dark Academia, Light Academia, Art Academia, Chaotic Academia, Rebel Academia, and Pastel Academia as different types of Academia Aesthetics.

How does Dark Academia differ from Light Academia in terms of tone and color palette?

Dark Academia has a moody and dark tone with colors like brown, black, and beige, while Light Academia has a lighter color palette and focuses on more positive themes.

What is the origin of the term ABG in fashion aesthetics?

ABG stands for Asian Baby Girls and originated from Asian American gangsters from the 80s and 90s, associated with a rebellious fashion and makeup style against typical Asian stereotypes.

What is the main theme of the aesthetic known as 'Old Money'?

Old Money refers to generationally wealthy upper-class families and is a rejection of modern new money looks, focusing on a more traditional and nostalgic style.

What is the significance of the Y2K aesthetic in relation to the recent past?

Y2K aesthetic is characterized by optimism surrounding the New Millennium and technology innovations, and its recent comeback is associated with nostalgia for simpler times, especially after the pandemic.

What is the main concept behind the aesthetic 'Drip Tour'?

Drip Tour is about dressing as functional as possible, wearing things that are strictly utilitarian rather than aesthetic, often associated with brands like Arc'teryx, Patagonia, and The North Face.

What is the psychological aspect of the aesthetic 'Clean Core'?

Clean Core is about being clean and is popular among people with anxiety over germs and dirtiness, often associated with increased attention to sanitization due to the pandemic.

What does the aesthetic 'Cyberpunk' typically depict and what social issues does it comment on?

Cyberpunk depicts a mega futuristic city with neon lights and a dark tone, often used as social commentary to highlight issues like class inequality, capitalism, and a dystopian vision of the future.

What is the aesthetic 'Retrofuturism' and what does it reflect about past predictions of the future?

Retrofuturism is what people from the past thought the future would look like based on their technology at the time, reflecting that predictions about the future are often inaccurate.