Heterobota

At the National Gallery of Victoria Triennial, artist Agnieszka Pilat uses Boston Dynamics‘ robot dogs to create a living art installation. In the Heterobota installation, the robot dogs Bunny Spot, Basia Spot, and Omuzana Spot paint play, and explore their environment independently. Visitors are welcome to observe and interact with the robots in their daily routines, including resting, playing, and painting in their studio.

AgnieszkaPilat instructs Spot, a dog-shaped robot, to hold paint sticks in his mouth and create controlled paintings. The paintings are displayed on the gallery walls. In Heterobota, machines push the boundaries of independent existence and creativity beyond servitude. Pilat describes her own experience of working in close contact with a robot, which gave her the impression of an encounter with another mind; it seemed that the robot had agency.

The NGV Triennial runs until 7 April 2024. Visit the NVG website for more.