Welcome to the 102nd insertion of DEMUR®, an analytical series highlighting the intricacies of the artistic world and the minutiae lying within. In this episode we tie our knee high boots, button the leather trousers and spike our hair, exploring the revival of punk in the modern era.
Punk has a shaky relationship with the limelight. Developing in the garages of rebellious youth throughout the mid 1970’s, the anarchist movement was a distinct push against the mainstream. Rejecting societal beliefs, angsty teens opted for a disruptive lifestyle with the sole intent of sparking social and political unrest.
Through music and style, artists like the Sex Pistols led the movement while sporting Vivienne Westwood’s outrageous ‘Sedationaires’ designs. Times have ultimately changed, but this distinct attitude seems to be forcing a punk rock reboot in the technological age. As emo rappers embrace their extremist counterparts, we begin a new chapter in this defiant niche.
Artists like @playboicarti and @liluzivert are facing punk in its contemporary context through various stylistic progressions. Uzi recently unveiled his ‘Liberty Spikes’ hairstyle, a look which was popularized during London’s punk overthrow, coming in part with a full upper body tat and raging on stage persona. Similarly, Carti has adopted the so-called “Vamp” aesthetic, assuming a belligerent and unhinged attitude towards the social sphere.
Their influence is felt throughout the industry, as personalities like @burberry.erry and @nascaraloe welcome the deranged look. However, the punk mentality can be embraced through sound exclusively as well, felt vividly in drain gang’s dystopian noise. In the wake of this profound revival, we’re forced to redefine the ethos of punk, molding the characteristics to the pervasive and hyper-connected society we find ourselves within.
These icons are most definitely setting themselves apart from the norm, but in doing so, influence a wide scope of youth. With such a broad audience, the subculture is instantly popularized, potentially invalidating punk’s core values - but then again, it’s just a form of expression, right?
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