The Steinbach Arts Council is pleased to present an opening ceremony celebration for “Intervention – Design in Chaos with Robot Art” by Steinbach Christian School art students. The event is scheduled for January 18, 2017, at the Hall Gallery in the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre.
As a class, the Steinbach Christian School grade 11 students explored the idea of art creation, automation, and ownership. A number of questions immediately became apparent: If one can create a simple robot, and in its mindlessness exude a sort of character as it skitters across the page, when does the art become the robot’s own creation? How can one intervene to alter the randomness to create a piece that is cooperation between the artist and the robot?
These questions and many other frustrations from the students culminated into a unique set of inked images. Some of them allowed the robot quite a bit of autonomy while directing a path for them. Others grew impatient and occasionally handled their robots to perform a very specific action. In the end, whether intentional or not, all of the pieces are a collaborative effort with a machine. Ultimately, the students created pieces that they would not have without a robot interfering/directing their creative decision making.
The public is invited to attend the opening reception on January 18. This exhibit will remain open to the public until March 13, 2017.
