Artist introduces Steampunk movement to Salina

Last Update: 11/19/2009 5:46 pm

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SALINA, Kansas – Most people may never have heard of the art form known as Steampunk where Victorian era images are combined with something modern, but a local Salina artist is featuring the art at his studio.

Rich Bergen is busy turning modern technology on its head. He cruises down Santa Fe on his motorized bicycle, hoping Salina catches on to the Steampunk movement.

“It's been kind of liberating for me because it's taking a break from my serious artwork to something just totally fun,” Bergen said.

Bergen was turned on to the art form a year ago and has been busy ever since, creating a Steampunk television, ray guns and attire that go with it.

"It really seemed interesting to me and I like the art work and the other items I'd seen built,” Bergen said. “I guess they call them “mods”, where you modify everyday objects."

Bergen created 10 pieces for a Steampunk show, which opened last month. Other artists have designed pieces like a typewriter, which is also an MP3 player.

"You can interpret it any way you want and that was my request for the show,” Bergen said. “I accepted any art work anyone designed, so there were no limits. If they felt it was Steampunk, then it was."

And Bergen says the exhibit has been one of the gallery’s most popular, attracting attention and intrigue from all over the state, because people don’t know what to expect.

Most of the items in the art exhibit are for sale. The Steampunk show runs through the end of this month and Bergen says he’s planning another one for next year.

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