Arts and CultureNewsSan Francisco

Mechanical, Moving, ‘Automata’ Art In SF

The Bay's best newsletter for underground events & news

Guest Post By Laura Jaye Cramer

4.NemoGould-Megalodon2

Artist: Nemo Gould, ‘Megalodon’

If you’ve ever stood, zombie-like and transfixed in front of moving diorama at Pier 45’s Musee Mechanique, you’ll understand Atlanta-based artist Tom Haney’s obsession with self-operating mechanisms. In a world where smartphones and laptops reign supreme, it’s unusual to see someone gravitate so dramatically to a style that’s been more or less forgotten since the turn of the twentieth century. But for Tom Haney — whose main artistic focus is on automata — the thought of creating such a throwback style of work hits a basic level. “People can’t understand how a phone or a computer works nowadays,” he says, “but they can see how a piece of automata works. They can see how the gears, the cams, the levers, and other mechanical devices work. I think it really connects with people.”

Artist: Tom Haney, 'Steadfast'

Artist: Tom Haney, ‘Steadfast’

1.chrisfitch_TantalusMack_06

Artist: Chris Fitch, ‘Tantalus Mack’

It’s not hard to see why these figures might hit a nerve with their audiences. Made from a wide range of materials, the mechanical figures that make up the genre of automata are surprisingly human. Hailing from a “simpler time”, the animated human and animal sculptures have historically been used in order to tell stories. Vintage versions might depict groups of women playing music, children writing letters, or little birds splashing in water. Their visible gears and predictable movements are understandable, often almost meditative. At its core, automata is robotics, boiled down and anthropomorphized. It’s a relatable, “easy” form of art.

6.ThomasKuntz_topsycurvy

Artist: Thomas Kuntz, ‘Topsy Curvy’

Ushering in a new wave of automata are the artists of Heron Arts’ Perpetual Motion: Contemporary Interpretations of Fine Art Automata. The group showing of eleven national and international individuals was curated by Haney (alongside Heron Arts director, Noah Antieau) and shows a decidedly contemporary selection of work. This means that most of the pieces are fully electrical, use unconventional materials, or in some way speak to contemporary culture. All of the traditional standards are in place — but with a healthy breath of 2016 injected.

5.RichardLandon_robotoil

Artist: Richard Landon, ‘Robotoil’

“I do like to look back to antique automata and learn how to make a new movement, or new mechanical device,” Haney says of a process that is equal parts nostalgia and innovation. Like his contemporaries, it’s this nod to the past that keeps creators and viewers invested in the tradition. “People want to try to make it,” he says. “People are fascinated by it.”

Husband & wife, and collaborative artists: Dean Lucker & Ann Wood

Husband & wife, and collaborative artists: Dean Lucker & Ann Wood

Heron Arts presents Perpetual Motion: Contemporary Interpretations of Fine Art Automata continues through May 14 at 7 Heron St. Visit heronarts.com

Guest Post by writer, dancer, history buff, & cat Mom; Laura Jaye Cramer

Previous post

Three Last Minute, Broke-Ass Tours of The Bay

Next post

New Muni Pricing Seen to Penalize the Poor & Elderly


Alex Mak - Managing Editor

Alex Mak - Managing Editor

I'm the managing editor and co-owner of this little experiment. I enjoy covering & Publishing Bay Area News as well as writing about Arts, Culture & Nightlife.

If you're a writer, artist, or performer who would like to get your work out there, or if you've got great things to promote, we've got 200K followers and really fun ways to reach them. We love making things with other Bay creatives, for our partners, and our community. Don't be shy.
alex at brokeassstuart.com
IG: @alexmaksf