Transgressive art and the transgressive artist
Varg Vikernes
In previous posts, I've explored the complex debate over how to consider revolutionary artists with troubled and controversial backgrounds. For instance, Louis-Ferdinand Céline, Caravaggio, and Paul Gauguin defied societal norms, while artists like Vincent Van Gogh and Robert Schumann battled debilitating mental disorders. There's also the genre of outsider art, created by those who exist outside mainstream artistic circles and, often, society itself. Works that may seem conventional now—like Renoir’s and John Constable’s paintings and Beethoven’s 3rd Symphony—were once considered shocking and scandalous. Unsurprisingly, many revolutionary and boundary-pushing artists often had boundary-pushing personalities and private lives.
Three celebrated outsider artists
Neurodiversity and the human as social animal
Good ideas can come from bad people
Caravaggio’s Judith beheading Holofiernes
Robert Schumann and bipolar disorder
Per Yngve "Dead" Ohlin and Cortard's syndrome
Edvard Munch, anxiety, and soul painting
The schizophrenic painter of cats
John Constable’s old-fashioned, radical vision
In this post, I examine a modern figure who exemplifies artistic originality and influence while also being a social pariah. Norwegian Varg Vikernes is one of the most influential, controversial, and polarizing figures in black metal. He played a pivotal role in the genre's development, but his legacy is marred by criminal acts and extremist beliefs.
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Varg Vikernes: The Most Controversial Pioneer in Norwegian Black Metal
The 1990s Norwegian black metal scene was marked by a radical anti-Christian sentiment, a rejection of mainstream society, and a fascination with paganism, Satanism, and nihilism. These philosophical elements, intertwined with the personal beliefs and cultural contexts of the musicians, fostered an extreme and provocative ideology. Musically, the scene was characterized by its raw production, innovative instrumentation, shrieked vocals, and a focus on creating a cold, immersive atmosphere.
As a bassist for Mayhem and the sole member of his project Burzum, Bergen-born Varg Vikernes significantly influenced the sound and ethos of black metal. Burzum's music, known for its atmospheric and minimalist style, features haunting lyrics that draw on Norse mythology and existential themes. Albums such as Hvis lyset tar oss and Filosofem are considered pioneering works in the genre, cementing Vikernes' status as a key, artistic figure in black metal.
The lyrics to the above song include:
I wonder how winter will be
with a spring that I shall never see
I wonder how night will be
with a day that I shall never see
I wonder how life will be
with a light I shall never see
I wonder how life will be
with a pain that lasts eternally
Vikernes' notoriety extends beyond his musical achievements. In 1993, he murdered Øystein "Euronymous" Aarseth, Mayhem's guitarist, in a violent incident he later claimed was self-defense. The crime, involving multiple stab wounds, led to a 21-year prison sentence and shocked the music world. Additionally, Vikernes participated in the arson of several historic Norwegian churches during the early 1990s, actions driven by the broader anti-Christian sentiment within the black metal community. These acts further tarnished his reputation and attracted significant media attention.
Vikernes is also infamous for his extremist ideological views, including racist, anti-Semitic, and far-right nationalist beliefs and conspiracy theories. He has disseminated these views through his writings and online platforms, leading to widespread condemnation. His advocacy for a return to pre-Christian, pagan European traditions reflects his rejection of modern multiculturalism and Christianity, aligning with his interpretations of ancient Norse culture. These radical views have made him a highly controversial figure, even within the black metal scene.
Despite his criminal past and controversial beliefs, Vikernes' influence on black metal remains significant. His contributions to the genre's sound and philosophy continue to be recognized, even as his radical views and criminal acts overshadow his musical legacy.
As with artists such as Caravagavio and Celine, the question is if his transgressive biography and beliefs can or should be separated from art, or do they necessarily go hand in hand?
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Vikernes is also a tabletop roleplaying gamer, and his taste in games is decidedly conservative.
Fascinating and thought-provoking, David, thanks!