Week 3 Robotics + Art

 Week 3 Robotics + Art

Technology development has opened up new possibilities for artists to express themselves and innovate in their art. However, there is a concern that mechanization and the ability to reproduce art mechanically may lead to a loss of artistic aura. In his work, Walter Benjamin argued that mechanically reproduced artworks lack the authenticity of the original object, as they lack the direct historical connection and substantial duration (Benjamin). Although digital replicas allow more people to own and appreciate great artworks, they may also subtract from their spirits. The art historian and novelist Noah Charney refers to this process as a legitimate form of forgery that is artist-sanctioned.

A 3D-printed painting made from data of Rembrandt’s works

The commercialization and marketization of art have led to it being considered a commodity, and the norm is now reproduction and mass dissemination. I believe that the effect of mechanical reproduction on the authenticity of art is similar to the choice between the red and blue pills in The Matrix. The red pill confronts and realizes the impossibility of maintaining the authenticity of art against mechanical reproduction. Conversely, the blue pill is the acceptance of the lack of authenticity brought about by continuous replication and technologies such as photography. This acceptance of mass-produced and easily consumable art has led to a disregard for the authenticity of artistic expression and the preservation of its original aura. This reminds me of The Matrix, where humans, physically sated and intellectually lazy, accept the rules of their collective virtual world and cease to create (Sizemore).

Blue Pill or Red Pill - The Matrix

However, contemporary artists now aim to use technology as a means of artistic innovation rather than replication. The application of Boston Dynamics' robot dog, Spot, in creative expression showcases the positive impact of the evolving intersection of robotics and art. The Spot was initially designed for practical applications such as inspection and data collection but has been repurposed by artists like Pilat to explore using robot adaptability and mobility as tools for artistic expression.

Polish artist Agnieszka Pilat poses with the artwork of her robot painting dogs

Pilat believes that robots producing paintings that resemble human work are not necessarily genuinely creative but "exquisite printers" that accurately reproduce existing artwork. Although robots like Spot can paint independently, their ability to create art is driven by the algorithms programmed into them by human designers.

References:

Benjamin, Walter. Walter Benjamin, ‘The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction,’ 1935.

Bregman, Alexandra. “How Robot Art Reveals the Power of Humanity.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 17 May 2023, www.forbes.com/sites/alexandrabregman/2023/04/28/how-robot-art-reveals-the-power-of-humanity/?sh=19837d042c1f.

Gayford, Martin. “Robot Art Raises Questions about Human Creativity.” MIT Technology Review, MIT Technology Review, 2 Apr. 2020, www.technologyreview.com/2016/02/15/162067/robot-art-raises-questions-about-human-creativity/.

Magazine, Smithsonian. “Has the Incredible Accuracy of Art Reproduction Ruined the Way We Experience Masterpieces?” Smithsonian.Com, Smithsonian Institution, 23 Aug. 2016, www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/are-replicas-changing-way-we-experience-art-180960224/.

Sizemore, Grey. “The Matrix: What Taking the Red & Blue Pills Do.” ScreenRant, 11 Sept. 2022, screenrant.com/matrix-red-blue-pills-affect-meaning-explained/.

Images and Video:

“Blue Pill or Red Pill - The Matrix (2/9) Movie Clip (1999) HD.” YouTube, YouTube, 27 May 2011, www.youtube.com/watch?v=zE7PKRjrid4.

Magazine, Smithsonian. “Has the Incredible Accuracy of Art Reproduction Ruined the Way We Experience Masterpieces?” Smithsonian.Com, Smithsonian Institution, 23 Aug. 2016, www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/are-replicas-changing-way-we-experience-art-180960224/.

West, William. “Polish Artist Agnieszka Pilat Poses with the Artwork of Her Robot...” Getty Images, www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/polish-artist-agnieszka-pilat-poses-with-the-artwork-of-her-news-photo/1250783470?adppopup=true. Accessed 14 Apr. 2024.