Figure Study

​2020, photograph, giclée print on acid-free rag paper, 37.5 x 26cm

Figure Study is an imitation of traditional figure studies in drawing and painting, in which a naked form, often the naked female form, is replicated as art.

Simple photographic composition and the puppet-like body evoke traditionalism; only the power and computer cables issuing from her bottom betray that this is in fact a high-tech machine.

Figure Study is part of Actroid Series II, a series of stills, composite photographs, video portraits and interactions that point up the potential uses of humanoid robots for AI monitoring and surveillance. Focusing primarily on the Japan-designed Otonaroid, a female-appearing android model that is meant for reception and simple conversation purposes, the artworks concern how we render restrictions more comfortable by giving social systems a human face.

Exhibitions
Actroid Series II, Open Site 6, Tokyo Arts and Space, Tokyo 2021 
Art Machines 2, Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre, Hong Kong 2021
Echoes of Monologues, ANOMALY, Tokyo 2020

​Credits
Robot: Hiroshi Ishiguro Laboratories