Tom Waugh
Material: Carrara Marble
I am not a robot
‘I am not a Robot’ examines the phenomenon of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning as they become an increasingly ubiquitous part of our everyday lives. The title is taken from the tick box system on websites that uses algorithms to declare that the user is not a robot, paradoxically employing machines to tell us that we are human.”
Machine learning
The pervasiveness of AI
This work draws on surrealism with the title referencing Magritte’s “Ceci n’est pas une pipe”, calling into question the meaning of the piece and the function of a robot, whether that be to complete tasks mechanically or to create something from scratch – and what, if any, is the difference.
Tom studied the techniques whereby marble could be carved to look like flesh, hair or fabric, and in his own work, evokes the same qualities of form and surface texture. Despite his use of traditional materials and techniques, there are tensions and contradictions in Tom’s work: between classical and contemporary art; between temporality and permanence; and between humour and serious environmental and social issues. These contradictions can present a cognitive dissonance, challenging ideas of material value, and prompting second look at the things we take for granted.
Escheresque
Inspiration
There is also a reference to Escher’s impossible ‘Drawing Hands’, suggesting the idea of a self- replicating and self-improving Artificial Intelligence. This challenges the assumption of a creator’s hand, asking when, and if, technology will be able to take on the creative role, and whether at that point it will supplant humanity.
This is a piece infused at every level with the paradox, uncertainty and irony of humanity’s pursuit of progress, inventing machines that could supplant and possibly replace us. It asks, in the end, what is the purpose of this progress? Why are we doing this?