Gothic Fantasy Art

From LoveToKnow Sci-Fi

To appreciate Gothic fantasy art, you have to understand a little about its symbols and background. Although the movement owes an homage to the artistic and architectural style known as Gothic that was popular in Europe around the time of the black plague, modern Gothic fantasy elements owe more to The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Dungeons and Dragons, and Anne Rice's, Interview with the Vampire, than they do to the impressive spires of Chartres Cathedral.

Gothic churches are one example of the art style.

Pop Culture Influence: Gothic Art

In 1974, the role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons was first released. Around that time, other influences, dark and gothic, were also hitting the mainstream. Anne Rice published the first in her vampire series, Interview with the Vampire, in 1976, and at that time there was already a healthy interest in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien in colleges and high schools across the country.

Books and games weren't the only places you could find women in jeopardy, brooding atmosphere, the antics the undead, devil worship, and other dark doings. In 1968, the big screen movie, Rosemary's Baby, was giving new meaning to the phrase, "You little devil", and a quirky little soap opera titled Dark Shadows premiered on ABC in 1966 and ran through 1971. It chronicled the exploits of vampire Barnabas Collins, and featured assorted zombies, witches, hapless governesses, acolytes, neophytes and a dark and mysterious estate.

Nothing happens in a vacuum, and these and other influences contributed ideas and themes to a generation or three of youngsters who understood the significance of a pentagram and had a taste for dark entertainment.

Art reflecting these darker themes, whether in posters, graphic art stories, tattoos, cover art, or gallery offerings, reflect a rich and complex milieu of erotica, the supernatural, medieval archetypes, witchcraft, religious iconography, and sometimes darker themes of violence, death, dismemberment, damnation, and despair. There can also be other elements thrown in that draw on anything from Jung to classic Hammer Studios horror films.

Finding Gothic Fantasy Art Online

Because it can be so diverse, Gothic fantasy art is easily misunderstood. The elements don't have to be European and don't have to show a woman in jeopardy, a castle bathed in moonlight, a skull, or a gargoyle. There is almost always an element of darkness to a piece though, and a mythical element that elevates the material. Many of these paintings or drawings are meticulously detailed and have a luminous quality that works in stark contrast to the subject matter, which can be anything from a straightforward rendering of a supernatural being to a macabre take on a traditional fairy tale. Although it isn't a requirement, this artistic style often uses shock or the unexpected to show old things in a new way. The works of Brom are an excellent example of this.

The following sites will give you a sense of what this artistic style has to offer. The works you'll see on these pages may give you nightmares, but it's an admission price that many are willing to pay to explore dark desires and ideas from a place of comfort and safety.