Afro- Latino Dark Academia; a prerequisite for studying art in Europe

Aesthetic, Influence, and academic endeavors

By: Justin Williams; Founder of Taino Studios

The Dark Academia aesthetic; rooted in classic literature, Gothic architecture, and an obsession with intellectualism—has long been associated with European influences. However, its themes of knowledge, rebellion, and romanticized learning resonate deeply with Afro-Latino culture, a growing on in Trumps America and many people hate it. By integrating elements of African and Indigenous traditions, colonial history, and resistance movements, Afro-Latino creatives are reshaping Dark Academia into something richer and more inclusive and I am grateful to be one of them.

---

What is Dark Academia?

---

Dark Academia is both a visual and intellectual aesthetic that romanticizes scholarly pursuits, old libraries, vintage fashion, and melancholic introspection. Traditionally, it draws inspiration from Western institutions like Oxford and Cambridge, as well as Gothic literature and Renaissance art.

But what happens when we infuse Dark Academia with Afro-Latino influences? The result is a powerful blend of history, resilience, and artistic expression—an aesthetic that not only acknowledges the past but reclaims it.

---

Afro-Latino Influence in Dark Academia Literature

---

While Dark Academia often centers European classics, Afro-Latino literature brings a fresh perspective by exploring themes of colonialism, diaspora, and ancestral knowledge. Writers like Gabriel García Márquez, José María Heredia, and Elizabeth Acevedo infuse their works with a deep sense of history, magical realism, and intellectual exploration.

Recommended Books with Afro-Latino Dark Academia Themes:

“The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” – Junot Díaz

• A story of history, nerd culture, and generational trauma with references to academia, literature, and the power of storytelling.

“Song of the Water Saints” – Nelly Rosario

• A poetic multi-generational tale of Dominican history, colonialism, and self-discovery.

“The Poet X” – Elizabeth Acevedo

• A novel-in-verse where a young Dominican poet finds her voice, navigating academia, family expectations, and heritage.

“They Came Before Columbus” – Ivan Van Sertima

• A historical exploration of African presence in the Americas before European colonization, challenging mainstream academic narratives.

---

A Colonial Legacy Reclaimed

---

https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/city-and-architecture/a8781-colonial-architecture-in-africa/#google_vignette

Much of Dark Academia’s aesthetic is tied to old-world architecture—grand libraries, ivy-covered universities, and candle-lit halls. In Afro-Latino culture, similar structures exist, but they carry a different history: they were often built during colonization, blending European, African, and Indigenous architectural influences.

---

Afro-Latino Architecture That Fits the Dark Academia Vibe:

---

• Universidad de Salamanca (Spain) – Where many Latin American intellectuals studied before independence movements.

• Havana’s Old Libraries & Universities – A mix of Spanish Gothic and Baroque styles infused with Afro-Caribbean culture.

• El Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña – A symbol of artistic and intellectual resistance.

---

Giving flowers to Afro-Latino Artist other than myself :

---

Belkis Ayón – A Cuban printmaker whose black-and-white works explore Afro-Cuban Abakuá mythology, creating eerie, symbolic art that aligns with the moody essence of Dark Academia.

---

Afro-Latino Dark Academia is an act of rebellion, achievement, & global expansion

---

It is an assertion that our histories, struggles, and intellectual contributions are just as worthy of admiration as the European classics.

I am thrilled to share that I have been admitted to the Maryland Institute College of Art's Low-Residency MFA program, where I will delve deeper into the world of Afro-Latino Dark Academia—a space where art, intellect, and heritage converge as a form of resistance and self-definition. This next step in my academic and creative journey is not just about artistic mastery; it is about claiming space, shaping narratives that are not victimized, yet empowering, and ensuring that Black and Latino scholarship is recognized, expanded, and celebrated across the diaspora for generations to come.

The act of education, particularly for Black and Latino creatives, is more than just personal growth; it is an act of rebellion against systems that have historically stifled our voices. Our self-identity is intertwined with the stereotypes perpetuated through systemic racism and social media, we write for our present and future, and through both my art and scholarship, I am committed to reshaping the discourse surrounding Afro-Latino intellectualism.

As I near the completion of my Master of Education (M.Ed) in Adult Education at Coppin State University, I am reminded that my academic path is a reflection of my mission. Each of my degrees—a BSW in Social Work, a BFA in Studio Art, an M.Ed, and now an MFA—intersects at the crossroads of education, creative expression, and social progress in dismantling oppressive systems such as mass incarceration, though the revolution of paradigms and strategic implementation of innovative and creative programs. These disciplines are not separate; they are layered foundations upon which I build my work, my advocacy, and my contribution to institutions that must continue to uplift Black and Latino intellect in academically stifling times.

This journey is bigger than me. It is a testament to the resilience of those who came before me and a beacon for those who will come after. Afro-Latino Dark Academia is more than just an aesthetic—it is a movement, a philosophy, and a commitment to shaping our future through art, history, and education.