The Rise of Robotic Art

Does the intertwining of art and technology, especially with the rise of AI and robotics, risk human creativity and artistic authorship? Philosopher Walter Benjamin theorizes that this crossover between robotics and art challenges the traditional notions of what it means to be authentic. Artist Douglas Davis anticipates a redefinition of authorship. 

Fig. 1. AARON, “Collage by the Painting Fool”, MIT Technology Review, https://www.technologyreview.com/2016/02/15/162067/robot-art-raises-questions-about-human-creativity/

Walter Benjamin’s essay The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction argues that the “aura” (its unique presence in space and time) of a work breaks down with mechanical reproduction (Benjamin 2). He cites how the rise of photography has mass-produced images that are taking away from the traditional value of art. 

Douglas Davis, on the other hand, extends this conversation by arguing that the aura does not vanish; instead, it migrates. He writes about how each digital copy of an artwork becomes a site for collaboration (Davis 1). Instead of being one, singular, untouchable original piece, digital and robotic art allows for fluidity and interactivity. Each iteration is unique. 

Ai-Da is an AI-powered robot developed by Aiden Meller, who is able to draw, paint, and even speak about art (Ai-Da). Very similarly, Doug is a robotic drawing partner developed by Sougwen Chung. Both artists view robotic creativity as expressive and cultural, rather than an artificial tool (Irpino). 

Fig. 2. Celeste Sloman, “Artist Sougwen Chung works in her Brooklyn studio”, The Washington Post, https://artrkl.com/blogs/news/robotics-in-art

Fig. 3. Andy Hall/The Observer, “Ai-Da Robot with creator Aiden Meller”, The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/apr/04/mind-blowing-ai-da-becomes-first-robot-to-paint-like-an-artist

I think the increasing blend of art and robots forces us to reconsider the boundaries of creativity. Machines may not be able to feel emotions or imagine like humans, but they also extend human capabilities, allowing for the sharing of art to wider spaces (Gayford).

Works Cited

Ai-Da. “Ai-Da.” Ai-Da, 2019, www.ai-darobot.com/.

Benjamin, Walter. The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction. Penguin Books, 1936.

Davis, Douglas. “The Work of Art in the Age of Digital Reproduction (an Evolving Thesis: 1991-1995).” Leonardo, vol. 28, no. 5, 1995, pp. 381–86, https://doi.org/10.2307/1576221.

Irpino, Louise. “Robotics in Art.” ArtRKL, 20 Mar. 2024, artrkl.com/blogs/news/robotics-in-art.

Martin, Gayford. “Robot Art Raises Questions about Human Creativity.” MIT Technology Review, 15 Feb. 2016, www.technologyreview.com/2016/02/15/162067/robot-art-raises-questions-about-human-creativity/.

Comments

  1. alexis rApril 18, 2025 at 12:53 PM

    Hi Kylie, your blog piece raises a really interesting point about how AI and robotics are transforming what we consider authentic and creative in art. Davis’s idea of the "aura" migrating is genuinely interesting it helps explain the movement where that digital art isn’t losing value, but instead is evolving into something more collaborative. Do you think this change strengthens or weakens the meaning behind a work of art? Personally, I think it strengthens the meaning. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. LaurenApril 18, 2025 at 1:32 PM

    I found your blog interesting to read because it was a good comparison of the different views of robotics in art. I liked how you started off with Walter Benjamin's essay and mentioned his view on aura and how he believes photography devalues art in a way. I too wrote about Sougwen Chung and found it cool to see her artwork.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Fiona_McNamara_DESMA9April 20, 2025 at 6:23 PM

    Hi Kylie! Your blog raises a compelling point about whether technology expands or threatens human creativity. I also focused on robotics and AI and how it may enhance our creativity rather than replace us. Indeed, Davis's idea that aura migrates is a modernized take on the conversation versus Benjamin's stark assertion of aura being diminished with technology. I also believe that it is imperative to ask how we define aura and value in this new, technologically advanced space?

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Entanglement of Art and Neuroscience

Image
With the current focus on algorithms and data, art and neuroscience are becoming increasingly entangled. An example is Octopus Brainstorming, a collaborative art-science project by Researcher Victoria Vesna and Neuroscientist Mark Cohen, where two participants wear octopus-shaped EEG head pieces while their brainwaves are visualized through shifting lights and sound (Albu). This mixed-media installation is a metaphor for a deeper connection – communication beyond language, beyond species.  Fig. 1. Victoria Vesna, Mark S. Cohen, Octopus Brainstorming , Art|Sci Collective, 2016, Luskin Conference Center at UCLA. Courtesy of Patricia Olynyk and Victoria Vesna. https://www.sfu.ca/content/sfu/cmajournal/issues/issue-ten--enchantment--disenchantment--reenchantment/cristina-albu/jcr:content/main_content/image.img.1280.high.jpg/1628111456947.jpeg This vision resonates with other projects that explore how mind and matter may intersect. The Global Consciousness Project, for example, uses r...
Read more

Reflections from LASER at Stanford

Image
I attended the L.A.S.T Dialogues event at Stanford on April 15th, 2025, and it was a great experience, as it deepened my understanding of how technology, science, and art intersect. My favorite part was Patricia Blessing’s talk about Water in Islamic Architecture. I’ve always loved Islamic art and design – because it is so ornate and intricate, so it was really cool to learn more about the historical and technological context of some pieces. Blessing explained how features like the Selimeye Mosque’s fountains reflect not only religious rituals but also the Ottoman Empire’s technological mastery over water. This lecture resonated very closely with our class discussions about math and art and how knowledge of geometry can create the insanely detailed Vitruvian Man by Da Vinci (Mona Lisa Foundation). Functionality and science can merge with art and design.  Michael Jewett presented on Synthetic Biology, and although it was a bit complex, it was very interesting as well. He talked abou...
Read more

Where Space Meets Art

Image
The intersection between space and art is philosophical, scientific, but also profoundly human. From star maps to installations, artists have always taken the universe as a point of inspiration for expression. Today, the relationship between both is seen in spaces such as aerospace and data institutions.  Kapoor, Anish. Leviathan . 2011, Grand Palais, Paris. Photograph by Benjamin Bergery, blog.bergery.net , https://i0.wp.com/d2jv9003bew7ag.cloudfront.net/uploads/Anish-Kapoor-Leviathan-2011.-Photo-Benjamin-Bergery.-Image-via-blog.bergery.net_.jpg?ssl=1 An example of such is the KSEVT (Cultural Center of European Space Technologies) in Slovenia, where architecture is merged with cosmic thought. The building is inspired by the concept of a rotating space station (KSVET).  Electromagnetic Turbulence in Increased β Plasmas in the Large Plasma Device . UCLA Basic Plasma Science Facility , plasma.physics.ucla.edu/assets/images/publication-4.jpg At UCLA, the Basic Plasma Science Faci...
Read more