The Influence of Post-Internet on the Aesthetics of Vaporwave

Acta Academiae Artium Vilnensis

Abstract

While the cultural phenomenon known as vaporwave is commonly traced back to 2009, its defining characteristics remain a subject of ongoing debate within both popular culture and academic circles. Various perspectives categorize it as a microgenre of electronic music, a meme, an art movement, a critique of capitalism, or even a manifestation of pure aesthetics. As such, vaporwave remains a complex and multifaceted topic for research.

In this paper, I explore the influence of post-internet culture on the formation of vaporwave and its aesthetics by analyzing the methods and strategies used to create what is recognized as vaporwave, rather than attempting to label or define it precisely. As a further step in this inquiry, I document an attempt to apply these methods and strategies, resulting in the publication of four music albums. This practice-based approach to analyzing vaporwave through creation and publication helps to better understand some core qualities and aesthetics of this art movement.