2023GM GE LT JL a2

Johanna Lay & Lazaros Tsiliakis, Gender Labyrinth (WiP), Robots and programming software, paper, 2023

 

This work combines the theme of gender and the aspect of digitality, here represented by the facet of robotics.

 

The robot follows one of three lines, which are deliberately designed in the stereotypically gender-bound colors, specifically pink for the female gender, blue for the male gender, and a green genderqueer route. A color sensor installed beneath the robot recognizes the color on the base surface depending on its positioning and follows the specific route based on its programming. This route is regularly interrupted, the robot stops and presents a number. Here, depending on the route and number, the viewer is given the opportunity to read into various gender-oriented facts that, which, based on the distance traveled on the route, address age-specific questions and themes.

 

The viewer is thus in an interactive relationship with the piece of art and, above all, with the matter addressed, becoming sensitized to this very subject through engagement with the information presented.

 

Johanna Lay & Lazaros Tsiliakis are studying Art Education at the University of Augsburg.