Anatomy of the automaton, from body to machine
In partnership with Mamco In Geneva, UM and La Panacée are joining forces for a hybrid exhibition running until February 28. More than ever, ambiguity surrounds the status of the human body, whose identity is being challenged by technological advances that are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is "humanly possible."
Whether it promises a bright future or a nightmare scenario, the question remains open but is nothing new. From the "machine man" conceptualized by René Descartes to the "augmented man" of the transhumanist movement, human beings have constantly questioned their uniqueness in relation to the mechanics of objects.
Man and his double
In the age of cyborgs and artificial intelligence, are we witnessing a shift from a strictly utilitarian relationship to a new form of otherness, or even a reversal of the balance of power? Is there not a risk that humanity's uniqueness will be diluted to the point of becoming nothing more than a substitute, "the ultimate illusion of a natural identity," as suggested by Christian Bernard, director of Mamco in Geneva and curator of the exhibition?
Distinguishing between humans and inanimate objects, between conscious acts and programmed reflexes, is becoming increasingly complicated at a time when organic beings and machines are merging.
Based on this observation of the blurring of a boundary that is more fluid than ever, the exhibition Anatomy of the Automaton revisits this duality, which has fueled philosophical debates and controversies since the17th century. By bringing together contemporary artworks, anatomical specimens from the UM, documentary collections, and robots from the LIRMM (Montpellier Laboratory of Computer Science, Robotics, and Microelectronics), the exhibition offers a condensed history of the ambivalent relationship between humans and their mechanical doubles.
The aim of this exhibition is to create a dialogue between the arts, sciences, and heritage. It will also feature "viewpoint tours" bringing visitors face to face with UM researchers, who will share their "scientific" vision of the exhibition. Artists will offer an offbeat perspective on the Anatomy Conservatory, a jewel in the university's heritage.
Workshops for young audiences and numerous outreach activities will be on the program for this exhibition, which runs from November 21 to February 28.
- Exhibition & Resource Center: November 21 – February 28
- Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 8 p.m.
- Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- www.lapanacee.org
- Free admission
- La Panacée Café
- Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
- Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- THE PANACEA
- Center for Contemporary Culture
- 14 Rue de l'Ecole de Pharmacie – 34000 Montpellier
- Tel: +1 404-348-7979 – www.lapanacee.org