1) How do you personally define Dark Art?
First of all, 'dark' would be according to the beholder, but if regarded as a particular 'class':
A}. In its most visceral, or typical sense, that which deals with
morbid types of subject matter, such as death, blasphemy, and gore,
used to shock and outrage, which may or may not be a reflection of the
artist. It could be used as a means to an end, to establish notoriety.
It also displays sublimated primal inclinations
suppressed by any given society. It is interesting to note that most
western 'dark art' exhibits some of the most vile and blood-laden
spectacles possible, in a society where death is typically swept under
the rug and glossed over in favor of a so-called "wholesome" lifestyle.
In the orient, Japan in particular, it can be seen in various amorphous
sexual exaggerations through Hentai - so it can be seen that man's
natural carnal nature will out in one form or another, art being one of
the most productive, which may also act as stress release, otherwise
having manifested in potentially aberrant behavior.
B}. It may also be indicative of 'forbidden',
and taboo idealistic and philosophical subject matter, highly symbolic,
which may or may not contain gore. Such as what American photographer
Andres Serrano did with the blasphemous "Piss Christ", as an example.
Both as a statement against religious christian oppression, and overall
censorship.
C}. As a genuine reflection of the artist, it
is a Jungian expression of subconscious fears and/or fascination, which
may be therapeutic in nature, and may otherwise be used as a tool to
manipulate social change in a psychodramatic sense. Art itself may be a
ritualistic tool of self-transformation, to evolve towards a
self-professed ideal.
In this sense, by artistically materializing
dark iconography, it tends to hold deep symbolism for the creator and
is resonant with the viewer as well, which may or may not translate
identically, but may inspire personal definitions within any given
psyche.
For instance, what the herd may consider
'dark', may in fact contain some of the most beautiful expressions of
the human condition, and/or anatomy. It really is relative to the
individual.
2) What initially attracted you to Dark Art and what about it continues to intrigue you?
Actually, I began being attracted as a Dracling
towards dark art from occult encyclopedias like 'Man, Myth, &
Magic', and various grimoires, poured over at libraries. Artists such
as Albrecht Durer, Hieronymus Bosch, Botticelli, Goya, and others, then
later H.R. Giger, Salvador Dali, as well as Sorayama have always held a
fascination. Even some of the art in 'Heavy Metal' magazine, comic
books & novels, and 'Dungeons & Dragons' manuals provided
contemplation and inspiration.
It was also amusing at times to spot certain
favorite pieces being used for various Heavy Metal and Rock albums,
while most in that genre probably assumed these were original to the
album. Sometimes I bought the album for the artwork, but frequently
became delightfully suprised at the music as well, which sometimes
tended to reflect the entertaining theatrics displayed.
"Dark Art" tends to demonstrate some of the
most imaginative visual permutations in extremes, from brutal reality
to the most fantastical, both of which have been pleasing and otherwise
inspire meditation for different reasons.
3) Who do you think is the "Godfather" or "Godmother" of Dark Art?
Our primal ancestors. From antiquarian cave
paintings depicting the violence of the hunt, war, to mythological
depictions of devils and monsters, as well as some of the earliest
artists such as Durer and Bosch mentioned earlier. All through to the
Gothic, Renaissance, Feudal {Dark Age}, and Baroque eras, each
contained their own aesthetic iconoclasts which formed a particular
style, thus inspiring others in similar expressions, to their own
unique visions.
4) Would you consider yourself to be a
Satanic Artist? Is there a difference between Satanic Art and Dark Art,
or do you think that Satanic Art is simply a subgenre of Dark Art?
Yes, Satanic both in the sense that I Am a Satanist, as well as
creating that which is directly pertinent to My own individual psyche.
However, Satanic Art need not necessarily be laced through with a
pre-occupation with death, blood, blasphemy, and gore. Depending upon
the intent of the artist, it can display everything from classic beauty
to commonplace subject matter, as beauty is just as relative as what
may be commonly considered 'ugly', 'morose', 'depressing', or even
'evil'.
Ultimately, I would say that 'Satanic Art' is
just 'personal art'. Satanic Art may contain dark art per se, but dark
art is not necessarily Satanic Art, unless it is a direct reflection of
the artist oneself. Much of it also depends upon intent.
|
5) Which Artists have influenced you in this genre? Where do your other inspirations come from?
Primarily H.R. Giger, Rex Diabolus Church, Joseph Vargo, and Timothy Patrick Butler
for My ideally similar styles. Otherwise, I visualize what I wish to
create into the second dimension, and use whatever tools necessary to
materialize it, whether hand-drawn, painted, or digital, sometimes a
combination of these.
I derive inspiration from some of the most
unexpected sources - from the way a shadow & light falls, the way
some element of nature is configured, like a twisted tree, which
perhaps may resemble some recognizable form, personality types,
characteristics, to double-en-tendres, figures of speech, philosophical
ideals, all the way to favorite media I enjoy.
6) How do you feel Dark Art has influenced society?
Definitely in a positive sense, considering that not
only is much 'dark art' a reflection of the undercurrent of society,
but may be utilized in a pro-active manner like a veritable pitchfork
prodding the herd towards an ideal envisioned by the artist, in
whatever area of art.
If you wish to project a particular ideal upon the world, make it just
barely palatable to the current standard, and push it a little farther
next time - eventually, it will be like a frog in a cauldron, and they
won't know what hit them! It is inspiring change in accordance with
one's will, and an obvious principle of Magic. Whether one desires a
resurfacing of a past orthodoxy, or giving birth to something that has
never been seen before. The very essence of art as Magic is creating
one's own reality as one sees it {re-active}, or wants to see it
{pro-active}.
7) We see Dark Art in Fine Arts, Cinema,
Television, and even reflected on popular apparel. What do you think
the mainstream culture's fascination is with Dark Art?
It was always present in one form or another, but it seems it has
gained more of a fascination, yet perhaps this may also seem so because
of the unfortunate population increase as well.
To delve into that dark part of their psyche
which is far too under-stimulated; yet as we traverse into a more
rational and increasingly atheistic society, the shelter of ignorance
is slowly lifting to reveal a more multiplicetous perception. From
spectacles of true crime, the threat of fundamentalist terrorism, to
fictional vampires, monsters, {with goth and Metal being an affectation
of such}, an increased fascination with nefarious historical figures -
the exponential availability of information via technological advances
has absolutely facilitated the accumulation of previously hidden
data, according to whom it benefited to keep secret.
That is not to say that the herd will at all
become Satanists, for as we know that we are born and not made, but
like on Halloween, they may gain an added eustress in pretending at
such, and thus, are essentially "black sheep", which is very
profitable.
In an additional sense, it is pleasing to
consider that pretty young women will be moreso providing the holiday
tricks and treats, considering some of the delightfully risque' outfits
becoming available. Now, if you want fetishistic outfits, shop the
Halloween aisles.
8) Do you feel that Dark Art is a current
movement that is as prominent as previous movements such as Surrealism,
Impressionism, Cubism, etc?
I think 'dark art' encompasses all of these in their own contexts.
9) Do you think Dark Art will continue to grow and evolve?
As the population grows, it is inevitable that so will the fascination
and creation of such artistry and objects, with the development of
consumer items. In one sense, it may actually make things more pleasant
to look at, diminishing the eyesores of the lightmare to an extent, yet
obviously, the Satanist will always be able to tell the difference in
terms of actual quality.
Plus, because it seems to be becoming more
acceptable, there will be an increase in not only current, but also
past "unorthodoxies", as it were, but the need for an alternative to
the alternative will arise to preserve evolution in the artistc genres.
Humans have always been drawn towards the darkness, the 'forbidden',
but few actually step into that darkness to reveal the hidden treasures
therein - these are the pioneers, explorers adopting these mysteries
unto themselves. There will always be an iconoclast tipping the
momentum in the other direction, and thus, the cycle will continue to
turn.
10) Is there anything else you would like to personally note about Dark Art?
It will no doubt be interesting and amusing to
view the many transmutations that has been, and will transpire. But as
always, the masters will be few, and stratification must be implemented
to keep standards high. Trends will come and go, and there will be
certain benefits for those who know how to manipulate them, but the few
remaining after the tide has subsided will be recognized as true to
themselves.
Hail Satan!
Thank you again.
Hail Satan!
Hail Thyself!
~Storm
www.artonyou.com
|
