Week 3: Robotics and Art

 Machines enabled art to be mass produced for the first time, which for philosophers such as Walter Benjamin, took the authenticity, uniqueness, and originality out of art. Benjamin stated that its [the artwork's] 'presence is depreciated.' To an extent, I agree with Benjamin's outlook. Important and classical works of art, such as Da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the Eiffel Tower, and Dali's The Persistence of Memory have been reprinted and photographed so often that the viewer has lost that sense of awe when looking at these works of art. To be honest, I have seen images of these artworks so frequently throughout my life that they have lost their artistic significance for me.

The mass production of the Mona Lisa, this iconic image today is reprinted on T-shirts, bags, mugs, and a variety of objects.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nqWavGPCcyLSOjL06B66uHX3zgnMCZf1PK5dGvCSgwRj7RN8G1B4PJgATTM1ad0a6SvCXCYVOOok98B-nCQhJk0T2JXuufDC0cM6v18SIMTh-ayTgU6UWN4CwvBLCYspJyZiKUl67noR/s1600/6.png

Though I agree with Benjamin's assertion, I believe that the concept of mass production forced and encouraged artists to create artwork that could not be replicated. Furthermore, it is important to note that the 'aura' of the artwork is a feeling manufactured by the viewer, not the object. So though for me viewing the Mona Lisa elicits no emotional response, for someone who feels a connection to the painting itself, the essence of that painting is maintained, regardless of how many times it has been reproduced or seen by the individual.

The face of the Prague Astronomical Clock (1462)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_timekeeping_devices

This balance between machines and art is most evident, to me, in the form of clocks. Clocks represent the ultimate convergence of machinations and art. Though there are bland clocks, there are also those that push the boundaries between art and science. And it is these clocks that, regardless of how many times they have been reproduced, still instill in me a sort of wonder, curiosity, and intrigue. Beginning in the early 15th century, clocks expertly meshed the boundaries between machines, astronomy, physics, and art.





A kinematic clock created by the artist Gordon Brandt
http://www.gordonbradt.com/clocks.htm

A modern clock that is both functional timepiece
and work of art

In modern times, though clocks are mass produced, the unique one's maintain their originality regardless of how many times they are reproduced. In my opinion, these clocks maintain the 'essence' that Benjamin argued is lost when products are mass produced. In the clock, we see a perfect and ancient example of  art, science, and robotics blending together to create something more beautiful, a feat that has stood the test of time.





References:

Vesna, Victoria. "Robotics and Art." UCLA. Los Angeles, CA. 10 April 2016. Lecture.

Benjamin, Walter, and J. A. Underwood. The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction. London: Penguin, 2008. Print.

"History of Timekeeping Devices." Wikipedia: The Free Encylopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 25 Feb, 2016. Web. 10 Apr, 2016.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_timekeeping_devices#Mechanical_clocks>

Marie, Niclas. "Managing Ancient Schedules: A Look at Ancient Timepieces." Web blog post. Timecenter. 12 Jan 2016. Web. 10 Apr 2016.
<https://www.timecenter.com/articles/managing-ancient-schedules-a-look-at-ancient-timepieces/>

Tom. "25 Cool and Unusual Clocks." Web blog post. Boredpanda.com. 12 Feb 2012. Web. 10 Apr 2016. 

<http://www.boredpanda.com/cool-and-creative-clocks/>

Bradt, Gordon. "Kinetic Art and the Desk Top Clock." Web blog post. Gordonbradt.com. 10 Mar 2010. Web. 10 Apr 2016.
<http://www.gordonbradt.com/clocks>