NGV Triennial Transforms Art Perceptions with Robot Dogs and Unconventional Exhibits

In a novel display melding technology with creativity, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) has unveiled a surprising scene that subverts traditional art forms. The exhibition's backdrop is a peculiar 'nursery' where life, in the guise of an art-making robotic dog, begins its journey into artistic expression. Encased within white walls and scattered with dog toys, this space previews the robotic creations of Basia, an 'emergency-yellow' Boston Dynamics-designed robot dog, as she wields crayons loaded with oil pigments and beeswax to create distinctive, imperfect art pieces.

The Fusion of Art and AI

Polish artist Agnieszka Pilat's exhibition, titled Heterobota, stands as a centerpiece of the NGV Triennial. Pilat unveils the unique creative process where artificial intelligence plays a crucial role, emphasizing the originality and 'mistakes' inherent in each work the robots produce. Unlike printers, these robots, equipped with AI, present artworks that are slow, unique, and riddled with human-like imperfections, challenging the perception of machine-generated art.

Pilat acknowledges the collaborative effort with technology in this artistic endeavor. She compares the robotic learning to the manner in which Renaissance apprentices developed their craft. However, she implies a deeper connection, stressing our collective role in 'parenting' AI as it evolves by observing and emulating our online behaviors.

Interactivity and Social Media in Modern Art

One of the Triennial's anticipated features is the interactive 'selfie room,' inviting visitors to capture moments with the robot dogs, albeit separated by protective glass. Alongside Pilat's exhibits, the Triennial hosts 75 projects from 100 artists, including notable interactive works. A highlight includes David Shrigley's Melbourne Tennis Ball Exchange, which plays on the joy of swapping worn-out dog tennis balls for new ones, and Maurizio Cattelan's Comedian—a banana taped to a wall that rose to fame after an impromptu act of performance art by David Datuna who ate the artwork in a spur-of-the-moment reaction.

Themes and Reflections

Yet the event goes beyond instantaneous allure, threading the themes of magic, memory, and matter throughout its curation. It introduces thought-provoking pieces that comment on resource utilization, historical perspectives, and impending ecological concerns. For instance, Hugh Hayden's The End presents an impactful visual narrative on extinction, while other works such as Mun-Dirra (Maningrida Fish Fence) and Flare (Oceania) comment on First Nations' culture and the environmental costs of fossil fuel consumption, respectively.

Meanwhile, introspective pieces like those by Petrit Halilaj delve into personal histories such as his childhood experiences during the Kosovan war. Similarly, Yoko Ono's interactive installation engages visitors to communicate messages to their mothers, creating a communal tapestry of shared memories.

Looking Toward the Future

Pilat's work with AI and robots not only pushes the boundaries of what constitutes art but also illustrates the broader potential for human control and collaboration with emerging technologies. She maintains optimism about our influence over AI, urging us to recognize our responsibilities and, potentially, to engage differently with it.

The NGV Triennial represents a platform where art and innovation converge, offering a distinctive experience that both delights and challenges its audience. Opening in December and running until April of the following year, the Triennial promises to be a compelling showcase of contemporary art's evolving landscape.

Art, Technology, Innovation