A New Exhibit Inspired by Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Captain Nemo finally gets his revenge! Aquarium features include underwater flame and vintage piston water pump, circa 1945
In the classic science fiction tale 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, the protagonist has his futuristic electricity-powered submarine almost destroyed by a giant squid.
What if Capt. Nemo created a mechanical “octopus” Kraken that he could pilot to attack and defeat his actual, biological nemesis? This is the premise upon which Bruce Rosenbaum, Steampunk ReImagineer in collaboration with Jon Bander who created the Kraken’s body and aquarium structure and stand, began this latest kinetic sculpture, originally commissioned by an Italian collector of aquarium antiquities.
During the course of this project, Bruce was able to collaborate with Gary Bagnall, Executive Director of The Museum of Aquarium & Pet History in San Luis Obispo, CA.
“Gary is an expert in antique aquariums,” Rosenbaum said. “It was fantastic to work with him creatively and have his guidance on the challenges of making it all come together.”
To create the Steampunk aesthetic, beautiful objects from the past such as period steam related objects, water tank components from vintage aquariums, antique chocolate molds, and additional repurposed period items were used in the design.
For artistic flair, an underwater ‘LED’ flame inside domed glass as well as other LED lighting were added to the submerged landscape. A magnifying glass for close-up viewing of fish and aquatic life was also incorporated into the tank’s forward facing glass panel.
The tank sits atop an antique steamer trunk adorned with a LED lit octopus logo that changes color. ModVic and Bander also designed a sturdy exhibit stand (not pictured here) that compliments the Steampunk artwork.
Bagnall said the whimsical Steampunk artwork was the perfect addition to the museum’s collection. He is grateful to the Italian philanthropist for the generous donation.
Visit the museum’s website at www.moaph.org to learn more about their huge depository of over 3,000 items that were historically used to keep pets.
