A new art exhibition in Portsmouth is set to explore our relationship with robots, artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

Uncanny Valley, Difficult Kin is set to open in Portsmouth’s Aspex Gallery this April. The show comprises artwork from Maggie Roberts (Mer) – winner of the gallery’s international open submission competition, EMERGENCY (2017).  Maggie has exhibited nationally and internationally, most recently at the Cabinet Gallery and Tate Modern, London.

The exhibition’s title, Uncanny Valley, is the term used in robotics to describe the human response of deep unease when interacting with ‘lifelike’ robots.

The exhibition will include new works created by the artist, including an audio piece inspired by ASMR (Autonomous sensory meridian response) – the Youtube phenomenon which triggers listeners to have pleasurable or tingling reactions.

For another piece, the artist collaborated with technology specialists and marine biologists to explore an octopus’ experience of ‘distributed consciousness’ – a branch of science that proposes knowledge and ideas can be shared through objects and tools, rather than from person to person.

Uncanny Valley, Difficult Kin forms part of Aspex’s Spring season of exhibition and events, exploring the use of digital technology within the arts.

Director of Aspex Joanne Bushnell said, “We are delighted to welcome Maggie Roberts back to Portsmouth for a solo exhibition of her work. Uncanny Valley, Difficult Kin will give our visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in Maggie’s vibrant digital alternative reality.  This Spring at Aspex will be a chance for people of all ages to explore how artists and makers are revolutionising the way in which we use digital technologies.”

Uncanny Valley, Difficult Kin is on show at until 23 June 2019, with a Preview on Thursday 4 April, 18.00hrs.

Website: aspex.org.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/aspexgallery
Twitter: twitter.com/aspexportsmouth
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