Sheltering at home these past two-and-a-half months, I feel a small pang of sadness every time I spot a talk or tour on my calendar that I was scheduled to lead at the museum. Despite — or perhaps in recognition of — the suffering of so many worldwide amidst the global pandemic, today, May 22, myriads of shrouded souls across the globe celebrate World Goth Day. While I may not be able to guide friends and strangers through the museum galleries in an exploration of iconic Goth music paired with masterful works of visual art, I can at least share my own personal pairings in this highly abbreviated manner. I hope you enjoy.
I’m always a sucker for Classical literary references in counterculture.
Dracula is such a tragic romantic.
No, no. Warhol’s Lugosi is very much alive (undead?). This poor soul is dead, yet eternalized.
Lastly, an emblem of corrosion, corruption, and hypocrisy.
And some bonus content. Sure, they’re veering more towards Synthpop than Goth, but these are two very dear songs to me.
What songs resonate most with you in the Gothic genre?
Which songs and works of art would you pair, and why?