Neo-Decadence is a modern artistic movement that mainly focuses on literature but also includes other forms of creative work. Although it is influenced by the aesthetic ideas of the Decadent movement, it is also a response to other trends in modern literature and can be seen as a revival of the original movement. Generally, Neo-Decadence shares more similarities with avant-garde literary movements, such as Symbolism, Decadence, and Futurism, than with types of fiction like speculative fiction or horror, even though it is often compared to these categories.

Origins

The term “Neo-Decadence” was first used in the book cover description of Brendan Connell’s 2005 novel The Translation of Father Torturo. In this book, the main character is called a “neo-decadent anti-hero.” In 2010, Connell wrote the “Manifesto of Neo-Decadence” and posted it online at a website named gestaltmash.com. In 2018, a collection of works titled Drowning in Beauty: The Neo-Decadent Anthology was published. This collection included the first manifesto and a second manifesto titled The Second Manifesto of Neo-Decadence, which was written by Justin Isis.

Characteristics

Neo-Decadence, also known as “Post-Naturalism,” is described by Daniel Corrick in his book Drowning in Beauty: The Neo-Decadent Anthology as a change in how people think about beauty. This change makes people focus more on beauty itself rather than on the practical uses of objects or people. The goal becomes exploring what beauty means and how it affects people. In a joint essay titled “Against Neo-Passéism,” Neo-Decadence is compared to Neo-Passéism, which is called “the unexamined artistic logic of capitalist realism.” This term refers to trends in modern art and writing that often look back at the past or rely heavily on ideas from popular culture.

Some writers who practice Neo-Decadence, like Damian Murphy, are involved in occult traditions. They believe their work challenges the common focus on material things in most fiction. Other interests linked to Neo-Decadence include fashion, self-reflection, intense focus on certain ideas, drugs, cooking, and playing old video games excessively.

Notable works

In 2005, Brendan Connell published a book titled "The Translation of Father Torturo." In 2010, Brendan Connell wrote a book called "Metrophilias." In 2011, Justin Isis wrote a book titled "I Wonder What Human Flesh Tastes Like." In 2016, Quentin S. Crisp wrote a book called "Rule Dementia." In 2017, Damian Murphy wrote a book titled "Daughters of Apostasy." In 2018, Justin Isis and Daniel Corrick edited a collection of works titled "Drowning in Beauty: The Neo-Decadent Anthology." In 2020, Audrey Szasz wrote a book titled "Invisibility: A Manifesto." In 2020, Brendan Connell and Justin Isis edited a book titled "The Neo-Decadent Cookbook." In 2021, Justin Isis edited a book titled "Neo-Decadence: 12 Manifestos." In 2022, Brendan Connell wrote a book called "Heqet." In 2023, Jeremy Reed wrote a book titled "Surrender to a Stranger." In 2023, Justin Isis edited a book titled "Neo-Decadence Evangelion."