4D: Exhibition Visit

Optimization of Parenting, Addie Wagenknecht (2012)

The artwork constitutes a machinery arm that automatically keeps the baby cot in a swinging motion. The simple idea of robots or mechanics replacing or reducing the “workload” of a parent is encapsulated in these 2 visual components.

My impression of this artwork was geared towards a more negative connotation where the intimacy of parenting is replaced by the coldness of mechanical assistance. However upon reading the description, I realised that the designer/ artist created this work with a positive light. This work was created to allow mothers to have more time for themselves to pursue their passion/interests. More than just about human and technology, the artist has also took on her position with regards to the empowerment of woman in our society.

As much as I am slightly creeped out by the imagery of a machine rocking a baby to sleep, gaining insight to the artist’s intent did add a layer of warmth to this piece. So yes, the secondary read of the work allowed a better appreciation and added depth to the possibilities of our future.

Euthanasia Coaster, Julijonas Urbonas (2010)

This work was basically a model of a roller coaster – both in 2D and 3D Form. I guess I couldn’t guess much about the artist intent without the text. But there was definitely a level of class and sophistication in the 2D model and the fact that the model was black in colour signified a bad omen.

Only after reading the text did I realise it was a work on Euthanasia (assisted suicide). The roller coaster is meant to give the user an enjoyable passage towards death, provoking society’s thoughts on euthanasia. I guess the concept of the work preceded the physical construct/model of the piece. It is also the idea of the work that caught my attention actually.

The fact that the work made an impact with its ability to open up discussions on how ethical is euthanasia or even on our perceptions of death. It is using technology to do the total opposite of enhancing life, which probably provided the full spectrum of how technology impacts humans.