Kirsty Boyle (Art Forum)

Abstract

Kirsty Boyle will give an introduction & then an overview of the world of Karakuri from ancient Japan to Sony robots. Japan’s love of robots lies in the history of the ‘Karakuri Ningyo’. Karakuri = a mechanical device to tease, trick, or take a person by surprise. It implies hidden magic, or an element of mystery. Boyle will also be discussing new media robot culture & some recent projects – 'tree ceremony', commissioned by the Museum Tinguely & Kunsthaus Graz for the Robot Dreams exhibition touring 2010 – 2011; ‘love the robots’ - a showcase combining media art, network performance, informal lecture & discussion centered around the theme of robots, contemporary art, culture & society and 'ocean of air', a collaboration with UN climate change scientist Ramon Guardans & Tega Brain. Kirsty Boyle is an Australian artist whose passion for robots has driven her to travel the world in order to work with other like-minded artists & scientists. The historical & cultural aspects of science in society continue to be a major theme that informs her artistic practice. During 2002, Kirsty began study under Mr Tamaya Shobei, a ninth generation Karakuri Ningyo craftsman & last remaining mechanical doll Master in Japan. She is currently his only student, & the only woman to have ever been trained in the tradition. Her practice is truly interdisciplinary, encompassing skills in sculpture, theatrical performance, film & animation, digital arts & design, mechanical & electrical engineering & artificial intelligence.