Week Three I Robotics + Art

 

The rapid advancement of industrialization, robotics, and automation in recent years has transformed the way we live and work. This has sparked a fascinating intersection between technology and art, where new forms of artistic expression and experiences are being created. 


Source: Nautilus

In his essay, "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction," Benjamin argues that the rise of mechanical reproduction technologies has fundamentally altered our understanding and experience of art. He contends that the aura of a work of art, which he defines as "the unique presence of the work of art in time and space," is lost in the process of reproduction (Benjamin 4). He writes, "The technique of reproduction detaches the reproduced object from the domain of tradition. By making many reproductions it substitutes a plurality of copies for a unique existence" (Benjamin 6). 


Source: Metaverse Post (Ai art)


However, as Professor Vesna points out in the first part of the lecture video series, "Industrialization, robotics, and automation have enabled new forms of artistic expression and experiences that were not possible before" (Vesna Part 1). She highlights the ways in which artists are incorporating robotics and automation into their work to explore new themes related to automation and its impact on society. She notes, "Robotic art can be used to engage audiences and raise awareness about social and environmental issues" (Vesna Part 1). 


Source: Atmos


In the second part of the video series, Professor Vesna delves deeper into the technical aspects of robotic art, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between artists, engineers, and scientists. She explains, "The use of robots in art requires a combination of technical expertise and creative vision" (Vesna Part 2). This highlights the importance of knowledge production in the age of automation. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial that we develop new skills and knowledge to adapt to these changes and to continue creating and innovating in new and exciting ways.


Furthermore, as Professor Vesna discusses in the third part of the video series, the use of robotics in art raises important ethical questions about the relationship between humans and machines. She asks, "Who is in control? The artist? The audience? The machine?" (Vesna Part 3). These questions are essential to consider as we continue to integrate technology into our daily lives and artistic expression.


Source: 360


In conclusion, the intersection of industrialization, robotics, and art presents both challenges and opportunities. While the reproduction of art through mechanical means may have changed our experience of art, it has also enabled new forms of artistic expression and experiences. The use of robotics in art requires interdisciplinary collaboration, highlighting the importance of knowledge production in the age of automation. Moreover, the use of robotics in art raises important ethical questions about the relationship between humans and machines. By engaging with these questions, we can continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in art and ensure that technology is used in a way that benefits society. As Douglas Davis notes in his article "The Work of Art in the Age of Digital Reproduction", "Digitalization transfers this aura to the individuated copy. Artist and viewer perform together. The dead replica and the living, authentic original are merging, like lovers entwined in mutual ecstasy" (Douglas 381). By using robotic art to engage with social and environmental issues, we can create art that is both technically impressive and socially relevant.


Sources:

Benjamin, W. (1936). "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction."

Davis, Douglas. “The Work of Art in the Age of Digital Reproduction (An Evolving Thesis: 1991-1995).” Leonardo, vol. 28, no. 5, 1995, pp. 381–86. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/1576221. Accessed 20 Apr. 2023.

Vesna, Victoria. “Industrialization, Robotics, Kinetic/Robotic Art, Part One.” Bruinlearn

Vesna, Victoria. “Industrialization, Robotics, Kinetic/Robotic Art, Part Two” Bruinlearn

Vesna, Victoria. “Industrialization, Robotics, Kinetic/Robotic Art, Part Three” Bruinlearn 


Image Sources: 

Milner, Daphne Chouliaraki. "Should AI Help Visualize the Future of the Climate Crisis?" Atmos, 2023, atmos.com/should-ai-help-visualize-the-future-of-the-climate-crisis/. Accessed 21 Apr. 2023.

Pilat, Agnieszka. "Robot Digit Learns Painting." 360 Magazine, 14 Mar. 2020, the360mag.com/robot-digit-learns-painting/. Accessed 21 Apr. 2023.

Simon, Ed. "Is AI Art Really Art?" Nautilus, 9 Nov. 2019, nautilus.com/essay/123456/is-ai-art-really-art. Accessed 19 Apr. 2023.

Yalalov, Damir. "10+ Best AI Art Generators of 2023: Midjourney, DALL-E, NightCafe, Artbreeder." Metaverse Post, 04 Jan. 2020, metaversepost.com/10-best-ai-art-generators-of-2023-midjourney-dall-e-nightcafe-artbreeder/. Accessed 21 Apr. 2023.


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