Acts of Care is focused around interactive electronic systems and the effect these systems can have on our human psyches. My work focuses on two particular periods of development: the late 80’s to early 90’s and the 2010’s to present. One period represents my childhood and the other my early adulthood. By comparing the two I can examine trends in the ways we engage with robotics and can better understand the ubiquity of electronically mediated interactions today. I utilize these new understandings to manipulate the capabilities of devices from both periods to create pieces that communicate care in a new way, sparking a moment of joy for the viewer while also increasing the awareness of the failings of devices when compared with true human interaction.

Acts of Care is open 24/7 for the month of April in room 201 of the Studio Arts Building at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Contact the artist for building access.