esc medien kunst labor
nothing more human than humanoid

“The real question is not whether machines think but whether men do.” —B. F. Skinner

Human beings are on their way to becoming different creatures—interlinked and transformed by genetic engineering, surrounded by virtual realities and autonomous robots. The boundaries are becoming more and more fluid. For the first time in history, we are allowing AI-driven technologies to act “independently” and make ethical decisions. Human beings have always striven to create (better) imitations of themselves—to create superhumans. But this does not mean that humanoids are the same as humans.

nothing more human than humanoid reflects on the complexity of systems and the interrelationship of human and nonhuman actors, on its direct influence on human thought, feelings, and actions. We have an obligation to consider what defines us as human beings, to reflect on values and ethics and consequently to think about a “digital codex” that regulates our dealings with and employment of technology.

Will robotics be the salvation of the weakening human race? Or in developing robots, are human beings playing a dangerous game against themselves?

Artists: Etsuko Ichihara, Kollektiv H.O, Ziv Ze’ev Cohen, alien production, Emanuel Gollob

25.9., 13:00

Die Roboter sind anwesend!, Theory program with lectures, performances, and artists from the exhibition

Exhibition
11.9.–19.11.

Opening: 11.9., tbc

esc medien kunst labor
Bürgergasse 5, 8010 Graz  ♿

14.9.–10.10., Tue–Fri 14:00–19:00, Sat and Sun 14:00–17:00, and upon appointment
12.10.–19.11., Tue–Fri 14:00–19:00 and upon appointment

Free admission

25.9., 13:00: Die Roboter sind anwesend!, Theory program with lectures, performances, and artists from the exhibition
2.10., 18:00–1:00: ORF-Lange Nacht der Museen
4.10., 18:00: Veronika Mayer, Humanoid Sounds of Human Signs, sound performance in the context of ORF musikprotokoll
12.10., 14:00–19:00: Ada Lovelace Day
19.11., 18.00: Finissage

In coproduction with ORF musikprotokoll and kunst@werk

Supported by steirischer herbst ’21