Aqua is a genre of aesthetic that involves the presence of liquid in physical media, made for the purpose of decoration and/or play-related purposes. This aesthetic has existed for many decades, spanning as far back as the 1880’s, and seems to regain some semblance of trending popularity every other decade or so.
The visuals of the movement of the liquid is the most vital aspect of Aqua, its movement showcased through being tinted with different colors, containing small fillers such as glitter/confetti or sand, containing charms or play pieces, or other liquids of different densities, all of which flow, ooze, settle, float, bounce, or are whooshed around to emphasize the presence of this movement.
Despite its name, the liquid in question does not necessarily have to be water based. Instead, it could be water, oils, wax, glycerin, alcohols, or even slimes/goos.
Aquatic Media encases the present liquid in a sealed transparent area to allow for it and whatever may be added to it to be properly viewed and appreciated without it spilling out.
Common examples of Aquatic Media include:
•Liquid Wave Paperweights
Classic Influential examples of Aquatic Media include:
Miscellaneous examples of Aquatic Media include:
•Liquid Glitter Jelly Bracelets
Handmade examples of Aquatic Media include:
•Resin Liquid Shaker Charms
[ Photo 1 credit- masandpas.com - Photo 2 credit- AmyMade on YouTube ]
TLDR; Aqua is any physical media filled with liquid and various fillers sealed inside for the purpose of decorative display or play.
NOTE: Aquariums and tanks housing real live animals are not considered as Aqua for me personally, as it seems wrong to group living creatures in an otherwise entirely object based aesthetic genre. Rather, I see aesthetics involving genuine aquatic animals as adjacent to it. However, medias mimicking the nature of aquariums and tanks but involving no true animals, I do consider Aqua. This is my own view though, and others may consider differently.
