I mentioned
the term in my previous presentation speaking
of the band Steam Powered Giraffe. Apart from that, there is a high chance
you've heard the term before. Whether that is the case or not, I will try to
make it more familiar, because I think it's a very interesting...
Yeah, what
is it exactly? I must shamefully admit that I needed the help of our old friend
Wikipedia to aid me in choosing the right words and I think I found the right
ones. So steam punk is a sub-genre of science-fiction, or perhaps a deviation
on the classic concept of science-fiction. The main idea is a 19th century
world in which however very efficient
steam-engines were invented and technology is much more advanced.
Alongside with clockwork, gears and engines also magic is usually heavily represented,
whether it's the concept of a European alchemist transmuting led into gold or
an Indian shaman summoning the spirits of his ancestors in the wild west.
There are
many sub-cultures similar to this one, but I believe steampunk is one of the
biggest in the world. You might be surprised, but there are a lot of steampunk
communities. Many steampunk conventions are organized all over the globe and
people are very passionate about it.
Personally
I think it's a very interesting idea, because while people have developed
awesome technology and tamed the power of magic, culturally and ideologically
it's still the 19th century. It makes for a very interesting environment to
create great stories and movies. The gadgets and costumes people sometimes
invent are simply awesome.
Speaking
about movies though, there aren't so many steampunk movies out there (although
this could be a topic of discussion), but there are at least too I will
mention, because not only they do show some steampunk, but they are simply good
movies: Wild Wild West (giant robotic
spider at the end) is one that probably most people have seen or heard of and The league of extraordinary gentleman
(nearly everything about it) is one of my personal favorites. Also Dorian Grey is somewhat connected with
the idea behind steampunk.
Apart from
the band I mentioned before, there are many more bands related to the steampunk culture. I would say
that the most "steampunk-ie" I know is The Cog is Dead.
There are
bands that keep the steampunk image, although their music is not very steampunk. Maybe the lyrics of, e.g. Abney Park. For other bands like The Cog is Dead I could mention The Tenth Stage and the brilliant Clockwork Quartet:
Finally, I would
like to say about a huge Polish contribution into the world of steampunk. For
all the RPG lovers, one of the best steampunk role playing games has been
created in Poland and is called Wolsung. It actually is known worldwide!
That
concludes this presentation. Here are some question you are invited to answer,
but can also ignore them and comment on whatever you want:
1. Have you heard about steam punk
before? What is your opinion on it?
2. Are there any similar genres or
sub-cultures similar to this one that interest you?
Sources:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk
http://images.cryhavok.org/v/Steampunk+Mouse+Skull.jpg.html
http://alternativefitspiration.blogspot.com/2013/06/steampunk-fitspiration.html
Comments
Anyway, it's an amazing topic, my good friend specialize in drawings in this world (Samuel Pirlot) at actually he's the one who invited me to this world. Amazing. But I just love when old and new are mixed. And magic must be. EVERYWHERE. Period :)
I have never heard about steam punk before. I think it is very artistic and many people can express them self by it. Those pictures are also really interesting, I like the eccentric gadget addition to this man arm and face.
2. Are there any similar genres or sub-cultures similar to this one that interest you?
Not really this is the first time I have seen such a sub-culture like this one. Or perhaps we cauld say about people wearing costiums from Star War movie. Nothing alse comes to my head at this time.
The similar stream would be the Cyberpunk, where technology are in the highly level and everything is possible, for example functional and permanently artificial limbs. This king of world is partly shown in the Star Wars movies.
no i havent heard about it before, but i must admit that they are quite interesting subculture. I will read some news connected with steam punk/
2. Are there any similar genres or sub-cultures similar to this one that interest you?
I dony know any, but this definetely must change. tonight. :)