New piece, new show
For those who missed the totally cool Robots: Evolution of a Cultural Icon show at the San Jose Museum of Art, here is your second chance! The show has moved to the Sonoma County Museum in Santa Rosa, CA and will open January 23rd (reception 5-7 p.m.). Even if you did see the show in its original form this will still be a totally new experience. Most of the same artists will be featured (see below for a press release with further info), but with a different selection of works. I will have quite a few more pieces on display including the brand new “Performer #2” which was completed just for this show. In addition I will have the formidable General Debris, Above it All, Blink, and a few masks on display.
I hope to be at the opening reception and I will be participating in a panel discussion at the museum on February 19.
The show runs January 23 through April 5, 2009.
Sonoma County Museum
425 7th street, Santa Rosa CA 95401
707-579-1500
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Below are some preview images of some of the other pieces I will have in the show.
Robots: Evolution of a Cultural Icon
January 23--April 5, 2009
Opening Reception: Jan 23, 5-7 pm
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. While some artists meticulously create portraits or representational sculptures of robots, others address a range of social and cultural issues through robot iconography. Despite the exhibition’s seemingly lighthearted appearance, the artists demonstrate the serious implications posed by new technology and our physically disconnected contemporary lifestyle. Both nostalgic and futuristic, the exhibition provides visual reflection on the technological advancements that are fast becoming an essential part of our civilization.
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 Jim Bauer and Sonoma County artists Monty Monty and Patrick Amiot.
Public Programs:
Jan 23 Opening Reception, 5-7 pm
Jan 31 Robot Workshop, 1-4 pm
Feb 7 Free Family Day, 11-4pm
Feb 19 Robot Panel: Panelists include artists Nemo Gould and Monty Monty; Robot Psychiatrist Joann Pransky; engineering professor David Calkins; science fiction curator Brooks Peck. Moderated by SCM Executive Director Diane Evans.
Mar 13 Arts workshop, 3-5 pm
Mar 24 Robotics Student Panel, 6:30 pm