girltron is a series of art works examining robots as subjects of culture, and perceptions people have of machines; with particular emphasis on how we personalise technology, and how these interactions make us feel. Aspects of the girltron project have included producing conceptual mixed media sculptures and digital images, an interactive website, exhibitions and a series of artist talks and workshops.
I am currently an artist in residence at the AI Lab, University of Zurich producing the next project in the girltron series, a Karakuri inspired robot. girltron will be intricate and sophisticated, incorporating traditional craft practice with sophisticated Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques to create an embodied interactive character. Mechanical elements used in traditional Japanese Karakuri puppet performance will be employed to convey different forms of abstract expression. girltron aims to highlight the importance of fusing science with broader cultural and social aspects, whilst recognizing the role of tradition in a modern context.
Presented by The Australian Network for Art and Technology (ANAT) and AI Lab, University of Zurich in association with the Australian Government through The Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.
I have a blog hosted with ANAT relating to my residency documenting the production of girltron - http://www.anat.org.au/blog/boyle/
The girltron website encourages people to create and interact with different robot images, or characters. These characters can then be printed out and coloured in. Visitors to the exhibition launching the website were prompted to personalise and colour in the girltron images on display. Audio for the website and exhibition were produced in collaboration with Melbourne sound artist Nick Wilson.
Elements of the girltron series have been shown at the following exhibitions:
2006 Traditions and Departures: highlighting Japanese influences in Australian craft and design, Australia Japan Year of Exchange Exhibition, Craft ACT, Canberra and Cowra Art Gallery
2006 Robot Culture, Consulate-General of Japan, Melbourne
2005 Art and Heart, Curious Eidolon, Melbourne
2005 - 2006 Otakulture, Rocket Art Gallery, in conjunction with the 2005 Electrofringe Festival, Newcastle; The Whitehouse, Brisbane; Manning Regional Art Gallery, Taree
2005 Toytakeova, Yarra Sculpture Gallery, Melbourne; China Heights, Sydney; The Whitehouse, Brisbane
2004 Mechalust, in conjunction with the Straight Out Of Brisbane Festival, TC Beirne Centre, Brisbane
2004 karakuri, in conjunction with the 2004 Next Wave Festival, North Melbourne Town Hall, Melbourne
2003 karakuri.info, WestSpace Gallery, Melbourne
I have another website http://karakuri.info, which is an online English archive about the Karakuri Ningyo (Japanese mechanical doll) tradition.
kirsty@girltron.com
Copyright © 2002-2008 Kirsty Boyle
