There is something undeniably appealing about things that are a little bit unsettling. That’s why the Weirdcore or. Dreamcore trend has gained such massive popularity on TikTok, with the hashtag garnering a staggering 3.9 billion views. But while there are dozens of cores out there, it seems to have a staying power that many don’t. It has moved beyond just an aesthetic, encapsulating a whole genre of Internet videos, images and music. But what exactly is Weirdcore? Here is a rundown of everything you need to know about this trend and some of the best creative examples.
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What Is Weirdcore?
Often used semi-interchangeably with nostalgiacore and dreamcore, weirdcore is a broad aesthetic that includes surreal imagery, liminal spaces and dark undertones. Common elements include eyes, symbols of childhood such as balloons, and a focus on a time period ranging from the 80s to the early 2000s.
Liminal spaces are notoriously hard to define, but they form a central part of what weirdcore is. They are often considered places that are between one thing and another. Hotels and gas stations, for example, can be considered liminal because they are designed to be passed through rather than stayed in permanently. More specifically, however, online liminal images tend to focus on vast, empty and abandoned spaces such as pools, endless hallways and childhood play areas.
In terms of music, Weirdcore often involves a juxtaposition of cheerful vocals with darker elements, as well as slowing and distortion of tracks — a perfect soundtrack for these images and clips.
Why Is Dreamcore So Popular?
The widespread appeal of Weirdcore and Dreamcore can be attributed to a number of factors. Some enjoy the spook factor and horror elements of this type of content. Others find it to be nostalgic and strangely comforting. A number of commenters have described feeling both of these things simultaneously. This inherent contradiction is what makes the trend so fascinating. This is why surreal art in general has had a devoted audience since the days of Dalí and earlier.
Weirdcore Examples
It’s hard to understand Weirdcore purely through description, so here are some of the best examples of the trend. While different creators take varying approaches, you can see the common threads of uncanniness and surrealism throughout that give this format its name.
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