Steampunk fans won’t be disappointed with the retro-futuristic fashion on display at the Hold on to your Hats Steampunk Exhibition at Rivet Gallery from August 3-5.
The exhibition showcases local wearable arts aficionado Liz Hosking’s fanciful creations based around the fusion of old steam-powered technologies of the Victoriana era and hi-tech future sci-fi.
Liz’s first steampunk outing was at the 2017 New Year’s Parade and she is looking forward to the opportunity to share her love of the hybrid.
“You can pretty much do anything with it.”
The former set designer describes her take on steampunk as apocalyptic, channelling her all-time favourite movie Mad Max in the exquisite hats, goggles, weaponry and clothing items she creates.
“I’ve worked on perfecting the paint technique for a year now to get different metal effects,” she says.
The self-confessed perfectionist says most of the bits and pieces that go into creating her pieces are 90 percent upcycled with much of it coming from Kaahu’s Nest at Xtreme Zero Waste.
“I can spend ages staring at the work, adding a little bit here and a little bit there.”
Rivet Gallery owner Wendy Lemmon enjoys bringing old machine-aged designs back to life and says the gallery provides the perfect backdrop for Liz’s work. “Our aesthetic is vintage industrial and it really complements what Liz does.”
Also featuring at the exhibition is Sar-Cie vintage inspired dresses by Ruapuke designer Sheryl Knapp and an array of steampunk-inspired jewellery, waistcoats and bustles Wendy has sourced from around the country.
The pair say opening night – August 3 from 5-8pm – will be fun for all the family with teapot racing and a best dressed competition with judging at 7pm.
Everything in the exhibition will be for sale and Liz’s steampunk creations will still be available at Rivet after the exhibition has closed.
Head to Hold on to your Hats Steampunk Exhibition at Rivet Gallery, 58 Wallis Street, Raglan – August 3-5.
Janine Jackson
