‘You’ve Been Steampunk’d’
“You’ve Been Steampunk’d” was on display in the Ransburg Gallery in Good Hall from Aug. 7 through Sept. 2.
The Victorian steampunk art exhibit contained 40 pieces of art, which were mostly made of recycled metal. The show was a collaborative effort between Director of Experiential Studies Samantha Meigs and her students.
Experience design is a major that incorporates three common areas of study -– research, design and management -– to create a business marketing course.
“The best analogy I can offer is that of Disney World,” Associate Professor of History and Political Science Meigs said. “Let’s take the Haunted Mansion. Because the ride is modeled after a Victorian house, you would have to know the history of what Victorian homes looked like so you could design the ride properly. On the other hand, Space Mountain requires a different type of research so the architects can bring it to life. To know what kind of cosmetics you need to work with-– to attract people to the rides and the park -– that is the business of marketing.”
The experience design program put their areas of study: research, design and management, together when they prepared their Victorian steampunk art show.
Victorian steampunk artwork is displayed in the 'You've Been Steampunk'd' exhibit, which was held in Rasburg Gallery from Aug. 7-Sept.2. Photo contributed by Judi Tanner.
“The Victorian period was a very genteel era. Everything was proper and everyone behaved properly,” Meigs said. “Steampunk is technology, and at that time technology was a very new, frightening thing. The show is based on the ambivalence we have about technology in our lives.”
The Experience Design exhibit was filled with Gothic sculptures. There were delicate Victorian jewelry boxes with intricate designs on the lids, as well as furniture from the Victorian era. A gilded clock and rotary phone rested on the wall with other works of metal.
“We made art pieces that expressed the fundamental elements of steampunk,” said sophomore history major Andrea Orem. “Not a single detail was left untouched. When visitors came, they didn’t just watch a show, they were part of the show.”
The exhibit was open during Family Day, in which students’ families were visiting the campus.
“It’s really something that opens up your mind,” said sophomore experience design major Stephanie Kirkling. “The exhibit isn’t just about the projects but also the ideas and thought put into them through the style of Steampunk.”
Orem was satisfied with the success of the art show.
“My Aunt Lisa had no idea what ‘steampunk’ meant, but upon departing, was naming off various books and films that represented steampunk design,” said Orem.
The steampunk exhibit was a very different kind of exhibit compared to what the University of Indianapolis has displayed in the past.
“This is what Experience Design is about,” Orem said. “We hope to create more amazing experiences for years to come.”
