Week 3: Robotics and Art

This week's topic is about the power and influence of technology towards art. Professor Vesna mentioned in her lecture video that the first robot was in theaters in the 1920s. Nowadays, we have robots all over the place. From Terminator, to I-Robot, even in animation, Wall-e.

However, Walter Benjamin, a critic, philosopher, radio broadcaster, and an essayist, argued in his essay “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction”, that technology may not always have a positive impact. Benjamin explains how the mechanical reproduction of art, or mass producing art, can take away from the creativity and originality (1-20). Walter Benjamin's point he made, makes me think of Walmart or Target where you see so many pictures or posters for sale. Yes they are great, but they are basically a blown up basic photo. 

But, even though that mass producing art may be seen as a negative, art is still appreciated. Art and Science are both beautiful things. They work together in complete harmony. Like mentioned before, Wall-E is clear clear example. This adorable robot, is also amazing. Wall-E collects thrown away material, and tries to create something of his own (Wall-E). 

Citations:

Benjamin, Walter. “The Work of Art in Age of Mechanical Reproduction.” Marxists. N.p.. Web. 18 Apr. 2015. <http://www.marxists.org/reference/subject/philosophy/works/ge/benjamin.htm>.

Vesna, Victoria. “CoLE.” CoLE. N.p.. Web. 18 Apr 2015. <https://cole.uconline.edu/~UCLA-201209-12F-DESMA-9-1