The Intersection of Sensuality and Technology: Artificial Arousal in Performance Art
In today’s world, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives and has greatly influenced the way we experience and explore our sensuality. From virtual reality to sex robots, technology has created a new avenue for artists to explore and challenge societal norms surrounding sexuality through performance art. This intersection of sensuality and technology has given rise to the concept of artificial arousal, where the lines between human and machine, real and simulated, are blurred. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of artificial arousal in performance art and examine how it challenges our perceptions of sensuality and technology.
The concept of artificial arousal in performance art is not a new one. In fact, artists have been exploring the intersection of sensuality and technology for decades. One of the pioneers in this field is Stelarc, an Australian performance artist who has been pushing the boundaries of the human body and technology since the 1970s. In his performances, Stelarc uses technology to augment and extend the capabilities of the human body, blurring the lines between the organic and the artificial. His most famous performance, “Third Hand,” involved the attachment of a third robotic arm to his body, challenging the traditional notions of what it means to be human.
Another prominent artist in this field is Orlan, a French performance artist who uses technology to transform her body into a canvas. In her most famous performance, “The Reincarnation of Saint Orlan,” she undergoes a series of plastic surgeries to resemble famous paintings and sculptures, highlighting the influence of technology on our perceptions of beauty and the body. Orlan’s work challenges the idea of the body as a static and natural entity, and instead, embraces technology as a means of self-expression and transformation.
The rise of virtual reality has also opened up new possibilities for exploring artificial arousal in performance art. Artists such as LaTurbo Avedon and Pussykrew have been creating immersive virtual experiences that challenge our understanding of the body and sexuality. LaTurbo Avedon, a virtual artist who exists solely in the digital realm, creates virtual performances that explore themes of identity, intimacy, and desire. Similarly, Pussykrew uses virtual reality as a medium to create dreamlike and surreal landscapes that explore themes of pleasure and desire.
The Intersection of Sensuality and Technology: Artificial Arousal in Performance Art
However, the most controversial aspect of artificial arousal in performance art is the use of sex robots. These hyper-realistic humanoid robots have sparked debates around the ethics and implications of human-robot relationships. Some argue that these robots objectify and dehumanize women, while others see them as a means of exploring and expanding our understanding of sexuality. Performance artist Neil Harbisson, who was born with achromatopsia (a condition that only allows him to see in black and white), created a sex robot named Moon Ribas to experience color and pleasure in a way he never could before.
The use of technology in performance art also challenges the traditional boundaries of audience participation. In interactive performances such as “The Teledildonics Sessions” by artist Brendan Coyle, audience members can remotely control the movements of performers using teledildonics (technology that allows for remote sexual stimulation). This blurring of the lines between performer and audience raises questions about consent, privacy, and the role of technology in human interactions.
The intersection of sensuality and technology in performance art is not without its controversies. Critics argue that it objectifies and dehumanizes the body, reinforces gender stereotypes, and promotes a distorted view of sexuality. However, proponents argue that it challenges societal norms and allows for a more inclusive and diverse representation of sensuality and desire.
One current event that highlights the intersection of sensuality and technology in performance art is the recent performance by artist Eisa Jocson at the Venice Biennale 2019. In her performance, titled “Your Highness,” Jocson explores the commodification of female sexuality through a robotic pole dancing routine. By using a robot instead of a human performer, Jocson challenges the objectification and exploitation of women in the entertainment industry.
In conclusion, the intersection of sensuality and technology in performance art has opened up new avenues for artists to explore and challenge societal norms surrounding sexuality. From virtual reality to sex robots, technology has allowed for a more immersive and interactive experience of sensuality, blurring the lines between human and machine, real, and simulated. While it may be controversial and raise ethical concerns, it also challenges us to rethink our understanding of the body, desire, and intimacy in the digital age.