Art, Video
Posted by jrrl on September 1, 2011.

PBS Takes on Steampunk

So, PBS has decided to give us their take on Steampunk in the latest installment of Off Book. PBS Arts’s Off Book is a “web series focused on experimental and non-traditional art form,” so it is certainly an appropriate forum for steampunk to be discussed. Their brief documentary gives a nice look at steampunk aesthetics, especially as applied to craft, music, and performance. It is unfortunate that the literature that gave birth to the movement is not discussed, but that may lie outside of the Off Book‘s core focus (although why literature would not be part of “arts” is beyond me). Regardless, it is nice to see steampunk getting some wider attention.

Here’s the documentary; let me know what you think.

6 Responses to PBS Takes on Steampunk

  1. Becky says:

    As a newcomer to steampunk, I thought the video was informative; however, I believe they shortchanged the audience by omitting the literary connect. Now when I am talking to people about steampunk, I can have them see the video — which makes things clear on a visual and performing arts level.

  2. lydia Storm says:

    Thanks for posting this. So much fun to watch!

  3. renee says:

    literature comment ….. no one said anything about william gibson and the co-author of “the difference engine” …. a cyber-sci-fi novel from about 20 years ago that actually “started” the contemporary steam-punk fashion/art/performance/craft/retro-fitting/etc. genre/fad/craze/pose!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  4. Keith Mailhotte says:

    Please create a reality show based on this awesome art.I always wondered what art form I was looking for and know I know.

  5. Luka says:

    The new Puscifer video (band is Maynard from Tool/A Perfect Circle) has a decidedly Steampunk feel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkHQAvZEM1o

  6. Jack Walsh says:

    Sorry to be Johnny-Come-Lately with this, but I’m a producer for PBA, Atlanta’s PBS Station, and I just aired my own Steampunk piece. This is a feature on the Atlanta alternate history convention, AnachroCon. We’re the same station that produced “Four Days at Dragon*Con,” the documentary currently making the rounds on PBS stations around the country, and heavily featuring a steampunk component:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37Ln9uqZywY

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>