The word Steampunk did not come into existence until the late 1980’s and was initially used to describe a genre of speculative fiction where technological advancements were powered by steam rather than electricity. This idea, however, has been around since the 19th century. It was called by some as Neo-Victorian futurism. Initial science fiction works were inspired by the 19th century Victorian era. Many significant works of Steampunk art and fiction were created even before the genre had a proper name. Authors such as H.G. Wells and Jules Verne are often considered the forefathers of this genre. Modern conceptions of Steampunk by authors such as Tim Powers, James Blaylock were heavily inspired by the ideas of H.G. Wells and Jules Verne. 

Once regarded as a popular genre of science fiction, this genre has grown beyond its literary boundaries. Early audiences of this genre mostly included avid readers of science fiction, graphic novels and  comics. Somewhere in the mid 2000s the genre developed its own sub-genres and sub-cultures.

This gave rise to Steampunk bands, conventions and theme parks attracting thousands of people from across the world to participate in events and show off their costumes and designs. Over time the niche of the genre has evolved from science fiction stories to a more materialistic culture which involves attending conventions, cosplay, creating steampunk personas, making wall art etc. Steampunk Rendezvous is one such convention in Winthrop, WA which takes place over the course of a couple of days. This gathering is for people to enjoy steampunk events, locations and gadgets created by one another. Trading and selling steampunk stuff is also a general practice among steampunk enthusiasts at this convention.

Steampunk Painting

Some of the first visualizations of Steampunk designs came from Walt Disney’s Film 20000 Leagues Under the Sea and George Pal’s Film The Time Machine. The early artists drew heavy influence in designing their inventions and taking visual inspiration from these works.

Steampunk art can be  an artist’s take on an existing technology and remaking it with old industrial, Victorian or American wild west aesthetics. An example could be a computer keyboard with its keys replaced with that of a typewriter. Other artists may design their own sculptures by using materials which were widely used in the Victorian era. An example could be a table lamp designed using rusted metal pipes, metal parts and a vintage bulb. These sculptures can be built from scratch but  require a lot of legwork such as visiting pawn shops and dumping yards and collecting the material from there. Now, however, people are able to sell and purchase parts, products and sculptures directly from stores or online. Over the years this art form has continued to spread into a wider variety of sub genres of art. These include steampunk wall arts, art drawings, sculptures, tattoos and even digital wallpapers.

Steampunk is one of the most popular genres of science fiction. Over the years it has gained a lot of popularity in movies, television and animation. Some of the earliest movies which contained elements of steampunk include 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Around the World in 80 Days, The Fabulous World of Jules Verne, Journey to the Centre of the Earth etc. When discussing movies, it is also important to discuss the different settings in which the events may take place. Different settings inspire and accommodate subtle changes in the aesthetic of Steampunk. One of the settings is the 19th century Victorian era which inspired movies like League of Extraordinary Gentlemen(2003), Sherlock Holmes(2010) etc. Another setting is the American West with television shows and films such as Wild Wild West under its belt.

This genre also gained popularity in the animation world with works inspired by the Japanese manga production from the 1940s. Steamboy (2004) and Fullmetal Alchemist(2001) are some of the most popular animations related to the genre and utilizes a fantasy/alternative world setting. 

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

Steampunk has also inspired a lot of bands and musicians. Steampunk music draws influences from various sounds and genres. These include gothic, industrial, synth pop with subtle hints of orchestral, ragtime, Indian, gypsy, folk etc. It is widely accepted that steampunk as a musical genre is not defined by the sounds but rather by the stage show performances by bands and their aesthetics. Most bands mod their equipment to imitate their Victorian era counterparts and dress themselves in exotic costumes. Abney Park, Thomas Dolby are some of the earliest artists involved with this this form of music. Professor Elemental and Steam Powered Giraffe are also known to use steampunk aesthetics in their several music videos.