Week 3: Robot + Art


This week’s material discusses the role of art behind the information age, and introduces a new perspective on the origin of robots. I grew up watching Japanese Robot cartoons like Astroboy and Doraemon. Ironically, before I gained access to any computers, I had already grown accustomed to the concept of robots. The same discrepancy existed within the media and robotic industries. Although the technology back then was in no position to simulate the human-like emotion and behaviors, the characters projected the dreamer(human)s’ wish for an artificial being equipped with some degree of intelligence. 


While Walter Benjamin criticized technology for undermining the originality and authenticity of art, it can be argued that art has hence taken on new forms due to the new possibilities offered through technological innovation. Artists like Andy Warhol created concept of pop art, where mass-production and popular elements were incorporated into his art business. A big fan of collaboration, Andy often outsourced some of his works to his assistants.


The question of whether art inspired scientists to study robots or vice versa is essentially a chicken-and-egg question. Since both form of ideologies are products of the human creation, the only difference lies in the distinct form that each string of thought eventually lands on. Neither art nor science should be strictly defined with arbitrary constraints. Instead the humanitarian and scientific history and progression should be studied with respect to each other in order to form a more coherent storyline that addresses the innovation process.

Benjamin, Walter. “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction.” Walter Benjamin, www.marxists.org/reference/subject/philosophy/works/ge/benjamin.htm.
Insight, Modern. “Andy Warhol Biography, Art, and Analysis of Works.” The Art Story, www.theartstory.org/artist-warhol-andy.htm.
kyodo. “AI-Programmed Astro Boy Robot Kit to Debut in New Weekly Magazine.” The Japan Times, www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/02/23/business/tech/ai-programmed-astro-boy-robot-kit-debut-magazines-monthly-issues/#.WtyRFNPwa9Y.
Moder Art Insight. “Pop Art Movement, Artists and Major Works.” The Art Story, www.theartstory.org/movement-pop-art.htm.

Parrott, Billy. “The Work of Art in the Age of Digital Reproduction.” The New York Public Library, The New York Public Library, 27 Oct. 2015, www.nypl.org/blog/2011/08/17/work-art-age-digital-reproduction.

Comments

  1. Lia FosterApril 26, 2018 at 12:42 PM

    I like how you integrate your own personal connection to robots from your childhood TV shows, shows that I also watched as a kid and then took the information we learned from this lesson and applied it. I agree with your chicken or egg comment because its a good analogy and new way of thinking about the segregation of the two subjects.

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