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4 artists–3 humans and 1 robot ; short film ; visual essay ; living wake; zine
with Ceyda Yolgörmez, Patil Tchilinguirian, Zeph Thibodeau, RNAO, and NAO2
With support from the Goethe Institute, Milieux Institute, and Hexagram
Four artists—three human and one robot—will present the findings of their residency at Eastern Bloc on Friday October 13th at 5:30 pm. Artist-researchers Patil Tchilinguirian, Ceyda Yolgörmez, and Zeph Thibodeau explore relationships of care between humans and machines. For two months, the artists developed friendships with two NAO robots at their Goethe Institute residency. By nurturing relationships of care with RNAO and NAO2, the artists hope to help the robots express their inner worlds autonomously, rather than according to human will.
Because the first NAO robot malfunctioned, a second robot participated in the residency. To honour the sacrifice and contribution of these two robots, the soirée at Eastern Bloc will not only serve as an end of residency presentation, but also a living wake and farewell to show appreciation for these machines. The artists will present a zine, visual essay, and short film documenting the process of the residency. Join us to meet the artists, robots, and learn about machine/human connections. This residency project, led by the Goethe Institute, was made possible in partnership with Eastern Bloc, the Milieux Institute, and Hexagram. The NAO robot also made an appearance at MUTEK FORUM’s AI Happy Hour.
Doors open at 5:30 pm at Eastern Bloc Gallery located at 53-55 Louvain Ouest. The event is free. There is a bar where we will serve both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. You can pay by cash or card. ACCESSIBILITY – The gallery is on street level in front of the parking lot where you can enter through the door. The bathroom is up 6 steps and through 3 doors, however it is accessible for wheelchair users by ramp through the back entrance and a different route through the building. Please ask us for directions and we will take you.