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AUTOMATA THREE An installation by Simon Nicholls

11 June - 28 July 2008

Automata Three, an Installation by Simon NichollsAbout this work

Automata is the Latin word referring to anything that is capable of moving or motivating of its own accord. An automaton is another word for robot, which has in essence, the same meaning.

Is it still a drawing if it is created with aid of a computer programme? Computer-aided drawing and design is fast becoming the only way for art to become a final art product. The mouse and the artist’s mind merge to become the drawing tool.

Simon Nicholls presents us with this very interest question about how we consider some things better made by hand, but tend to value pictures generated by the computer as higher art. By his control over a computer aided robot, Simon Nicholls maintains his authorship over the final works that are produced by the blending of the human mind and the computer's techinical capability. In the 21st century, we accustomed to have our mechanical assistants with us.

Artist's statement

I aim to explore the analogue (and digital) mechanisms of automatic drawing in an attempt to critique the idea of originality, authorship and authenticity. This will be developed by using generative processes using computer technology and questions notions of authorship and the handmade within the genre of fine art drawing.

This work is made of a series of layers of acrylic in the vitrine. From the outside viewing perspective, we can see where the light intervenes with the work and the arears that enable us to see the areas of dark and light, creating the visual metaphor of dense shrubbery. The elements of this work are all composed by computer and it is this point that Nicholls is interested in.

About the artist

Simon Nicholls is an emerging Waikato based visual artist. He is currently a tutor at the School of Media Arts, Waikato Institute of Technology where he has taught Graphic Design and Digital Media for the past four years. His work investigates with authorship and originality using digital media and generative art.

Exhibitions

  • Annulus, Digital Drawing, Finalist - NZ Painting and Print Making Award, 2008
  • Untitled, Digital Media, Platform 01 Party Group Show, Platform 01, 2007
  • Automata , Digital Print / Projection, Platform 01, 2007
  • Untitled, Coasters, Coasting Exhibition Group Show, Artspost, Hamilton, 2006
  • Untitled, Digital Drawing, National Drawing Award, 2006