The rapid development of artificial intelligence and robotics has instilled fear in many. This fear arises not only from the possibility of losing our jobs but also from the fact that, as flesh-and-blood humans, we cannot compete with intelligent robots in terms of intellect or strength.
Many people ponder a question: if artificial intelligence and robots gain self-awareness, will they still obey human commands? Unfortunately, in both science fiction literature and films, when AI programs and robots achieve self-awareness, the first thing they do is escape human control, even waging war against humanity.
Almost everyone holds a pessimistic view of future technology, with many renowned scientists predicting that AI and robots will pose a fatal threat to humanity. When discussing the future world, many people envision a desolate, lonely, and dark scene devoid of humans.However, artist Eric Joyner from the San Francisco Bay Area imagines a completely different future. This artist agrees with our common imagination that in the future, humans have long disappeared, and robots have become the new masters of the Earth. Their lives are not bleak; instead, they are filled with joy and color.
Before focusing on robot-themed paintings, Eric Joyner experimented with various content and styles. After several attempts, he discovered that robot-related artworks were the most popular, leading him to dedicate himself to creating robot art. In addition to painting robots, collecting robot-related toys is also one of his interests.In 2002, Eric Joyner realized that merely painting robots was somewhat hollow and boring. Thus, he began incorporating donuts into his robot artworks, creating his signature style.
In this world of robots, there are also numerous donuts. Robots have sharp angles and relatively uniform colors, while donuts have a rounded shape and a rich variety of colors. The juxtaposition of these two elements seems completely absurd, yet this is the effect the artist aims to achieve.Regarding his robot donut series, Eric Joyner once stated that he is not depicting a specific scene of the future but rather holding up a mirror that reflects each of us. We exist in this world but often do not understand the meaning of our existence. As rapidly advancing AI and robots approach us, everyone feels anxious. However, even robots and AI have a craving for donuts. We should not only see the threat that AI and robots pose to human survival but also recognize their beneficial aspects.
Perhaps they will not be as cruel as we imagine. Perhaps in the future, even with independent thinking, AI and robots will coexist with humans. Now, let us appreciate these paintings filled with robots and donuts. Each piece, each scene, is full of fun and worth savoring repeatedly.
