People have always been fascinated with the idea of artificial
life created from inanimate materials. This fascination has been expressed in
most cultures and times - although perhaps never as assiduously as within the
European tradition. Every age has seen a plethora of stories and artifacts which
express the mingled fear and desire for autonomous machines. Galatea, Coppelia,
Golem, Frankenstein's monster, Robby the Robot, Astroboy, Gigantor, Transformers,
Terminator, replicants and Robocop (to mention just a few of the robot pantheon)
have become staple cultural fare. With the growth of cinema and mass media the
robot has become ever more ubiquitous in the public and creative imagination.
As the twentieth century edges to a close we are racing towards the fantasy
becoming fact. Rapid advances in computer and related technologies, new materials
and an ever more pressing need for obedient servants to do our dangerous and
dirty work is encouraging researchers and scientists worldwide to make the fantasy
reality. Already robotic machines are essential to industry and agriculture,
are being used in surgery and being exploited for space exploration. Pundits
predict that the first truly autonomous robots will be amongst us within twenty
years and, that although the first models may have the mental capabilities of
morons, they will outstrip us both physically and intellectually within ten
years of their introduction.
With this reality will come a whole new set of moral, ethical and cultural
conundrums. Will robots be truly intelligent? Will they become accepted as full
members of the human community or will we own them as virtual slaves? Will they
see us as their creator-gods? Or will they see us as an evolutionary level they
have left far behind and to be either eradicated or protected in twenty-first
century zoos?
Robotica focuses particularly on the humanoid robot in popular and
cinema culture - although it follows a few interesting sidetracks on the way.
Featuring both a screening program (curated by Peter Morse) and a multi-media
exhibition (curated by both Peter and myself). The screening program traces
the 20th century fascination with things robotic from one of the earliest 'experimental'
film, 'Birth of a Robot' by Len Lye, through the utopian scientific visions
of the '60s and '70s (look out for those hair styles and lapels), into the present
with experimental works which display a very contemporary dis-ease with the
notion of autonomous machines.
Robotica Exhibition features robots by both
Australian artists and commercial companies (which are world-leaders in animitronics),
animation and video works, animated and life-action Manga, interactive multimedia
and Web sites. Neither aspect of the project would have been possible without
the whole-hearted and generous support given by our sponsors, funding bodies,
the 45th Melbourne International Film Festival, participating artists, Experimenta
staff and volunteers. I would like to particularly thank Ron Newman of Showtronix,
Murray Closter of Air Powered Services, Rob Carver of Rob Carver Sign Design,
3RRR, Bruce Hodson at the National Librarty of Australia - Film and Video Lending
Service, Aycen and Clare at the AFI Library, Anu Dhirani at the BBC Sydney,
Experimenta's Board of Management, Peter Morse, James Roland and John Bleaney.
I am also very pleased to be able to team this project with the 'new look'
MESH - bigger, better and meatier. And a promise of things to come. We welcome
your feedback, reviews of media events from around the country, and suggestions.
For the first time MESH is being simultaneously published on the Internet -
you can find this issue (with colour pics!), and most articles from previous
issues (a big thank you to all the writers who have allowed us to reproduce
their articles gratis) at Experimenta's web site, http://www.peg.apc.org/~experimenta.
Check it out. You'll also find a steadily growing archive of past events, publications,
news of current and future Experimenta events, hot links, merchandise and a
fat Robotica section.
Again, thanks to all who have supported the journal; the writers, artists
and designer who have given so much for so little financial renumeration, Experimenta
staff and volunteers, MESH's Editorial Advisory Board - Paul Kalina,
Deb Verhoeven, Amree Hewitt, and Lisa Daniel, - and you, our readers and subscribers.
I would also like to heartily thank Arts Victoria who have provided some
funding towards its production - hitherto MESH has been produced solely
out of the dedication of staff and volunteers and spare change found down the
back of the couch.
© Shiralee Saul, 1996
MESH film/video/multimedia/art #10,MESH is published by Experimenta Media
Arts