Week 3: Art and Robotics
Art and Robotics
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| My favorite anime, Hunter x Hunter |
Last quarter I took JAPAN 75 here at UCLA which was centered around the history of Japanese anime. In JAPAN 75, we spent 3 weeks watching anime films with robot characters because they appeared in early animated films in Japan frequently. Japan is a very technologically advanced country in terms of mechanics, electronics, and transportation. The acceptance of robotic characters in Japan is probably more positive than in a country that is unfamiliar with technology. The reaction to robotic characters is similar in America, the world's second most technologically advanced country.
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| Astro Boy taking flight! |
The first robot anime we watched was Astro Boy which Professor Machiko Kusahara spoke largely about. Astro Boy depicted robots as emotional and human-like creations with incredible abilities. There were good robots and bad robots alike but, Astro Boy was mainly a hero for humans. I think this film made robots look cute, strong, and entertainingly appealing to the audience. There was drama and some threats against humans, but heroic robots too. As Professor Machiko Kusahara mentioned, this anime film laid the foundation for the presence of robots in popular culture over decades. In the popular Marvel universe, Iron Man uses robotics to enhance his abilities and save the world. Iron Man is a modern-day version of Astro Boy who is human.
Another robot anime film we watched was Ghost In The Shell. Advancements in cyber technology begin to create new and complex problems for humans. The ability to alter and enhance oneself presents a scary yet fascinating future for Japan. This film turned me further away from robotics than Astro Boy because humans seemed to lack control. There was a sense of helplessness when a hacker got into the heads of computerized hybrids that instilled some fear in me.
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| Snapshot from Ghost In The Shell |
Anime is a great example of art and robotics intersecting because animation is now created digitally. The fluidity, vibrance, and creativity of modern anime far exceed where the art began. New adaptations with advanced technology bring stories to life!
References
“Dirk the Homeless Robot/Www.Electric-Circus.Eu.” YouTube, YouTube, 7 Sept. 2008, www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HfmKXfp394.
Electric, www.electric-circus.eu/. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.
Kusahara, Machiko. "Japanese Robotics." April 15, 2024, UCLA, Lecture.
“Survival Research Labs.” SRL, www.srl.org/. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.
Vesna, Victoria. "Robotics Intro.” March 26, 2012. UCLA, Lecture.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJcPtv7tnKY.
Vesna, Victoria. “Industrialization, Robotics, Kinetic / Robotic Art" April 15, 2024. UCLA Lecture.
Vesna, Victoria. “Robotics part 2" April 15, 2024. UCLA Lecture.
Images
Ghost In The Shell Original. Mutant Reviewers Movies, https://mutantreviewersmovies.com/2021/09/23/ghost-in-the-shell-1995-the-original-accept-no-remakes/.
Hunter x Hunter. Viz, https://www.viz.com/hunter-x-hunter.
Legacy. Screen Rant, https://screenrant.com/astro-boy-pluto-netflix-anime-manga-preserve-original-legacy/.
Hi Katherine,
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to observe how Japan's tech-savvy culture is reflected in anime series like Ghost in the Shell and Astro Boy. Astro Boy gives robots a heroic, helpful appearance, emulating a human hero and it reminds me of how Iron Man copies such appearances. I think anime is a great example of how technology and art can coexist, especially with the interesting stories that can now be told through digital animation! Do you believe that way robots are portrayed in anime reflects society's expectations and anxieties regarding technology? Thanks for the post!
Hi Katherine,
ReplyDeleteIt would be difficult to find a better example of art and robotics than the one you chose here. I truly feel that Japan's tech-savvy culture was introduced far before the general public began paying attention or understanding how the two-concepts of art and robotics come together. As you mentioned, " Japan is a very technologically advanced country in terms of mechanics, electronics, and transportation." I agree with that statement, as Japan tech culture does an excellent job at combining technological powers, innovative spirit and societal values. It is interesting to see where they are heading in terms of future innovations.
Hi Katherine,
ReplyDeleteI also chose Astro Boy as an example of robotics and arts. I think he is a significant aspect of robotic characters in anime since he has both emotional and human-like qualities that endear them to audiences. Films like Astro Boy and Ghost in the Shell illuminates the varied portrayals of robotics and their implications on human perception of technology. Your observation that anime serves as a meeting point for art and robotics highlights the transformative power of digital technology in animation. The evolution not only enhances the visual experience but also expands the creative possibilities for storytelling.
Hi Katherine, I thought it was very creative of you to use the artform that is anime in your connection to machine/industrialization and art. I don't think I would've made the connection but you're right, Japan is a great example of a country with great technological advancements. Their transportation system alone, the BulletTrain is a remarkable invention. I liked that you focus a lot on anime. As you said, it's a very innovative artform and its story telling and visuals is among the most stunning. Great post!
ReplyDeleteHello Katherine!
ReplyDeleteFirst, I really liked how you made connections with Japanese anime! Astro Boy is a good example of robotic+arts. I didn't really realize until you pointed out that Japan's works such as movies and animes are highly related to mechanics. Good work!