As technology expands into our everyday lives, the biggest question people ask is: Are robots going to completely replace humans?
But the artists in Bankstown Arts Centre’s latest all-female exhibition are proposing a different attitude and instead asking the question: How can we collaborate with robots?
The multi-sensory exhibition FEM-Me: Female Mechanics and other Kinetic Systems explores human-robot interactions through female perspectives.
For Sydney-based artist, designer and researcher, Lian Loke, the theme prompted her to reconsider what kind of world we want to create with robots.
“Robots seem to be the future and I don’t know if I’m all that happy with the kind of future that is coming into form,” Loke said.
“A lot of what is being produced in the industry is autonomous machines that impersonate humans – we’re more interested in the collaborative side and how we can partner with robots.”
Loke’s work is on exhibition at Bankstown Arts Centre alongside artists Narjis Mirza, Dagmar Reinhardt, Mari Velonaki and Wendy Zhang.
“The piece that I’m really excited about is a very short dance film called Specimen One Cross Species Dreaming, which proposes this hybrid part human, part machine creature,” Loke said.
“The Specimen is learning to move in the world. How does it do this with five limbs, one of which is a hinged wooden structure attached to my waist?”
Western Sydney-based artist, Narjis Mirza, is showcasing her laser cut cube ‘Al-Asfar – Passage of Light’, which creates an immersive space where audiences can experience the power of light.
“As an artist who has been creating immersive light and sound installations, I joined this exhibition to explore the female participation in the field of robotics,” Mirza said.
“I’m excited to see technology-based artworks dive into the world of robotics and kinetics of art pieces.”
Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek encouraged the community to pop into Bankstown Arts Centre and experience the vibrant exhibition.
“Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a robot fanatic or just looking for something to do on the weekend, this exhibition is sure to get you thinking,” Mayor El-Hayek said.
FEM-Me: Female Mechanics and other Kinetic Systems is on exhibition at Bankstown Arts Centre until Saturday 9 November. The community is also invited to celebrate the end of the exhibition with a final performance by Lian Loke and an Artist Panel led by co-curators on Saturday 9 November, 2-4pm.
For more information, visit cb.city/FEM-Me
