The bohemian style is amongst the most recognisable of today’s popular aesthetics. The romantic ideals that inspired the image of boho we know and love today date back to Paris in the 1850s as a direct response to the vulgar economic disparity with the bourgeoisie. At the heart of what was then a new movement was the pursuit of a life embracing art, romanticism, and sensuality above all else. The world through boho-tinted lenses has no rules, no shame, and true, unconditional equality among all people.
We can see bohemian inspiration in the works and lives of great names such as van Gogh, Baudelaire, and Janis Joplin. The values of boho culture were the driving force behind the hippy movement of the 60s and 70s, which stemmed the popular imagery of boho fashion and decor. The iconic bohemian aesthetic is the root and inspiration for many of our prints, especially our boho sun art pieces.
We would be remiss to turn a blind eye to the unsavoury origins of boho; the term “bohemian” was once used derogatorily toward the Roma people and travelers – those from the area in central Europe known as Bohemia. To this day there is widespread, ill-conceived prejudice and suspicion toward these populations. History, however, is wonderful at subversing the darkly miscalculated concepts thought up by the ignorant dregs of society.
Boho is all about being an outsider, challenging preconceptions, rebelling against the status quo with a marvellously eccentric flair. These characteristics harken back to the misunderstood people the word was once used as a rod toward. Now, instead of casting out people who seem drastically different to ourselves, we as a culture largely embrace the forward-thinking and creative expansion of what is familiar and comfortable.
Bohemians aspire to sacrifice all for their ideals of purity and passion in all areas, from love to ethics. When you gaze upon boho art, it should remind you of the aspects of yourself that define you; the parts that rail against what maybe you once felt you ‘should have been’; the characteristics that you bring to the world to make it a better, more vibrant place.
In the end, we’re all at least a little bohemian.
