Steampunk can also be defined as a sub-genre of science fiction that is usually set in an anachronistic alternate 19th century. Its focus is most often on a world where steam is the primary source of power, where Victorian society, ideas and fashion are highly prominent. Some examples of famous steampunk works include:
Steamboy (2004, Katsuhiro Otomo)
Final Fantasy VI (1994, Square)
Boneshaker (2009, Cherie Priest)
amongst many others. Continuing on the colour theme from The Cook, the Thief, his Wife and her Lover, steampunk works typically involve earthy and metallic colours. These include leathery browns, dull greys, and bronze. Such colours often add to the dystopic theme of many steampunk works. I have created a spider-chart of the key ideas, terms and themes involved with steampunk.
A full-sized version can be found here.
Some really interesting comments on colour here Mikey. Colour is key to the dystopian feel of steampunk - have a look at the mute greys of the recent film 'The Road' (based on the brilliant and harrowing Cormac McCarthy novel) for another reference. It would be good to see some developmental ideas coming from this research now.
ReplyDeleteChris