Saturday, June 6

The exquisite adventure

Momma and I are at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, waiting to get my Big Cousins from their whirlwind Grand Tour, and look at what we found on display!
Steampunk: The Exquisite Adventure
Nov. 8, 2014 – June 21, 2015 
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Terminal 3, Level 2, display cases

Steampunk is an inspired movement of creativity and imagination that combines science fiction, history and art. It includes literature, artwork, music, film, design, and for some, a lifestyle.

Artisans reimagine modern technologies as elaborate works of art, fashion, and mechanics, most often with the backdrop of the Victorian era. However, in the spirit of fantasy and time-travel there is artistic freedom to create Medieval, Wild West, Industrial/Modern or an alternative world which is known as the Steampunk genre.

The "Steam" in Steampunk was inspired by the extravagantly inventive age of steam-powered machines, dirigibles, brass diving bells and analog computers. The "punk" in "Steampunk" typifies going against convention through creativity and making a declaration of one's individuality through style, gadgets and attitude.

It is the story and thus the characters that drive the artwork of Steampunk. Alter egos are created in costumes complete with top hats, waist coats, corsets and bustles with accompanying gear. Steampunk projects aspire to make something elegant out of random "bits and bobs": creating brass goggles, wings made with pulleys, steam-powered gadgets, clockwork pendants or a ray gun dangling at the hip.

The Steampunk artist is on an Exquisite Adventure of intrigue and discovery in a world of their own making.

Steampunk: The Exquisite Adventure was originally co-curated by Scottsdale Public Art (SPA) Curator of Collections and Exhibitions Wendy Raisanen, and artist and Steampunk enthusiast Susan Rubin.

Scottsdale Public Art (SPA), in partnership with the Scottsdale Public Library, presents exhibitions and educational programming in the gallery in the Scottsdale Civic Center Library that strengthens awareness of the arts and stimulates community dialogue. The 2500 square foot gallery provides ample space for SPA to bring engaging artistic, visual, and educational experiences to the public—building community through free, accessible, quality exhibitions. The gallery is also used as a gathering space for informative and participatory events such as artist talks, lectures, and workshops.

Photo caption for photo above:
Nola Yergen, Copperhead Kate, 2013, life-size costume, image by Steven Goldstein

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