coAbility  Reflective robotics 

The ABRA project, showcased in an international exhibition at ABQ Project Space, exemplified the challenging nature of integrating art, design, science, and technology as equal partners in a decentralised creative process. Through applied digital craft exploration and 3D printing, I engaged in the manipulation of data and conducted real-world simulations based on the digital input. The resulting prototypes embodied digital information in physical space. Instead of solely focusing on creating a final product for problem-solving in the realm of soft robotics, my work adopted a problem-seeking approach. The goal was to involve the kinetic energy of viewers, captured by sensors, and transform it into a vibration motor that drives the object.

This framework of dynamic movements for programmable modular systems, based on Arduino and with the active support of media artist Kalman Tarr, allowed the design process to generate new ideas while considering the diversity and complexity of real-world experiences. In contrast to object-oriented approaches, the problem-seeking method I employed involved the development of partial micro-solutions reflected in prototypes that challenged systems-oriented settings. I took into account the temporality of materials by developing a shape that softened the rigidity of the given material, thereby changing the movements and fostering a transition from object-oriented to systems-oriented creativity. In this process, craftsmanship extended beyond material entities, capturing the active and dynamic changes in interactions and transforming still objects into dynamic artefacts. To communicate the concept and showcase the interactivity and transboundary nature of the final artefact, I deliberately avoided covering any of the components, revealing how the elements work together. The objects I created through material fabrication are intended to reflect and provoke thoughts on relationships within soft networks while emphasising aesthetics that are culturally relevant. Working with digital technology has been an exploratory endeavour shaped by the influence of time and progress.

The project was built upon my doctoral research, which was defended in 2022. I explored the concept of “co-Ability,” a term I introduced that is rooted in the critical approach of posthuman disability studies, as outlined by scholars such as Rosi Braidotti (2013).

I am deeply interested in exploring the assembly and function of complex systems in my artwork, particularly by using digital technologies to create tangible and perceptible artefacts for the human experience. Through the integration of the analogue and digital worlds in my creative process, combining digital fabrication with the artistic intuition of the human hand, I aim to produce works that bridge the gap between the virtual and tangible realms. One aspect that captivates me is the potential of robotics to enhance interactions within networks, opening up new avenues for comprehending the shared competencies among elements in interconnected systems. The collaboration with Kalman Tarr proved to be an inspiring experience, as his contribution significantly heightened the impact of the project.