Alluring Androids: Robots in Film, Photography, and Art: Talk by Dr.Julie Wosk

Description:

Filmmakers, photographers, and artists have long been fascinated by the idea of artificial women that seem alive. The Stepford Wives and Lara Croft, products of the imagination, are now becoming realized in the latest in female Japanese robots, which look so real they can easily fool the eye. This illustrated lecture showcases colorful images of female robots, androids, talking dolls, mannequins, and other artificial women. Ranging from early automatons to lifelike female heroines in today's video games, these images tell a startling tale of changing attitudes toward science and toward women themselves. Virtual women also raise provocative new questions: Do men and women view female robots differently? How do these images reveal men's fantasies and fears about women? What happens when we can no longer tell the difference between an artificial woman (or man) and a real one? Will these ultra-realistic robots enhance our lives or challenge our humanity?

This program is made possible through the support of the New York Council for the Humanities Speakers Program

Price: Free and open to the public