"ROBOTS" by Rad Hourani unveils a series of cloth figures that transcend mere anthropomorphic representation, embodying an exploration of identity and artificiality. These faceless, uncanny, and anonymous forms evoke both primitive human artistry and the looming presence of future androids. In Rad's artistic narrative, these robots challenge conventional definitions of humanity, prompting reflections on consciousness and autonomy.

Each figure, with its distinctive color symbolism—the fruit of mental programming—indigo blue for introspection, silver for technological precision, purple for femininity, and teal for tranquility, invites contemplation on the nature of identity projection. Stripped of inherent traits, these fabric entities serve as blank slates upon which societal conditioning projects its biases, highlighting our own programmed existence. Unlike wired counterparts, these figures, filled with foam, suggest a paradox: unburdened by predefined identities, they embody the potential for limitless transformation, questioning the boundaries of human self-awareness and free will.

Scaled to approximately match Rad's height, the robots confront viewers on equal footing, while their half-sized progeny nestled in their arms provoke introspection on parenthood and the prospect of programming future generations. Towering over their creator, these sculptures juxtapose the soft familiarity of plush bodies with the looming specter of artificial intelligence, challenging us to reconsider our relationship with technology and the essence of human existence in an increasingly mechanized world.

Through artistic and conceptual depth, Rad Hourani's "ROBOTS" series invites a dialogue that extends beyond aesthetics to encompass existential inquiries about identity, autonomy, and the evolving dynamics between humanity and its creations. By presenting these figures as marionettes of societal constructs, Rad underscores how societal conditioning controls our decisions, pushing us to question our programmed nature versus our free will. These cloth sculptures contextualize our humanity in relation to the Other, with their familiarity contrasting against the dooming reality of artificial intelligence.

© RAD HOURANI

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