Robots: Evolution of a Cultural Icon
Jan 23 - Apr 5, 2009
Robots: Evolution of a Cultural Icon examines the development of robot iconography in fine art. In 1920, the term robot was coined from a Czech word robota, which means tedious labor. Since then, the image and the idea of a robot evolved dramatically from an awkward, mechanical creature to a sophisticated android with artificial intelligence and the potential for human-like consciousness. As robotic technology catches up with the wild imagination of science fiction novels, movies, and animation, dreams and fears anticipated in these stories may also become reality. Artists included in the exhibition have responded to the technological innovation with optimism, pessimism, and humor, presenting work that ultimately explores our ambivalent attitudes towards robots.
The exhibition features sculptures, paintings, photographs, digital media, and drawings. In often light-hearted manner, the artists in this show question our relationship with technology, addressing the serious implications posed by new technology and our physically disconnected contemporary lifestyle. They respond to the promise of technological innovation with optimism, pessimism, and humor, presenting work that ultimately explores our ambivalent attitudes towards robots. As artificial intelligence and robotic technology catch up with the wild imagination of science fiction, the dreams and fears anticipated in these stories may soon become reality.
Artists in the exhibition include: Clayton Bailey, Chris Cunningham, Feric, Nemo Gould, Amy Hicks, Eric Joyner, Chico MacMurtrie, Alan Rath, Michael Mew, David Pace, Gail Wight and Thomas Zummer. Additionally, the SCM is showing works by Sonoma County artists Monty Monty and Patrick Amiot. Simultaneously with the exhibition in the Main Gallery, the SCM will display a collection of student robots, robotic toys and displays of robots used for real-life purposes in the museum’s Downstairs Lounge Gallery. The exhibition is sponsored by Sonoma County supporters including the Anorcase Foundation and Jim and Celine Passage.
