Art

visual artist jaszmine asha hawkins and the art culture of steampunk

January 21, 2014

There’s a new trend in town! Okay well not quite a trend, and not as new as many may think because Steampunk has gained popularity since the late eighties. I’ve become hip to Steampunk culture since a lot of talk about Steampunk has been around me within the last two weeks.
Afropunk.com member & artist Jaszime Asha Hawkins has created some beautiful and bright colored Steampunk-inspired images. Not only has she intertwined the Industrial and Victorian eras but she’s added Psychedelic and Egyptian revere to her art. For example, the first piece featured below was inspired by Parliament Funkadelic. See for yourself and research to learn more about the rapid growing Steampunk culture!

By Tip Jordan, AFROPUNK Contributor *

The first time I heard about Steampunk was when I had the privilege of interviewing photographer, Fabiola Jean-Louis and she explained to me briefly what Steampunk is to her. Now, I’ve been granted access to another form of Steampunk, in which I like to call it an “Abstract Steampunk with an Afro twist” if that makes any sense.

For those who don’t know what Steampunk is, it’s simply- the Victorian and Industrial Era stylishly living amongst one another in today’s world. Need a better image? Think about the movie The Wild Wild West starring Will Smith. The entire style and theme of the movie is what Steampunk is. Can you imagine an art form dedicated to that specific culture? Just think, Erykah Badu with a top hat sitting aboard her gigantic afro, rocking a purple corset, flowing dress, and Doc Marten’s; pretty dope I must say!

* Tip Jordan’s website: tipjordan.com

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