Aesthetic movements such as cyberpunk and magic realism were so declared through the establishment of a certain code. Into this foray, we consider the aesthetic of the steampunk movement. Defined in the 1980s by speculative fiction author K.W. Jeter as a sort of “gonzo-historical” style of reimagined Victorian-era imagery and devices, steampunk grew into a phenomenon, influencing a wide range of artistic endeavors such as fashion, design and film.
In the Philippines, committed to steampunk are Omi Reyes, Kiss Toledo, Nestor Ong, Erwin Pineda, Salvador Ching, Ram Mallari, Badz Palacio, Renato Andres, Noy Gepte, Buds Convocar, Jik Villanueva, Erwin Mallari, Caña, Natalio Alob, Aner Sebastian and Roen Capule. With the special participation of Juvenal Sanso, these artists have mounted the exhibit “The Steampunk Manifesto” at Galerie Joaquin.
The group is honoring Sanso in connection with his 70th year in art this year.
Several Sanso works done in the 1950s and 1960s along the steampunk trajectory will also be on exhibit.
“The Steampunk Manifesto” runs until Feb. 21 at Centre Gallery of Galerie Joaquin, 371 P. Guevarra St., Addition Hills, San Juan; tel. (632) 723-9418; e-mail info@galeriejoaquin.com.
