Client
Goethe Institute Montreal in collaboration with Eastern Bloc, Milieux Institute and Hexagram

Year
2023


In 2023, the Goethe-Institut Montreal, in collaboration with Milieux Institute, Hexagram, and Eastern Bloc, hosted the Robot-in-Residence project. The art and research collective PCZ—comprising Patil Tchilinguirian, Ceyda Yolgörmez, and Zeph Thibodeau—was invited to explore human-machine relations through everyday interactions with NAO, a humanoid robot.

As one of the resident artists and researchers, I embraced multiple roles throughout the residency. Beyond co-creating and participating in the research-creation process, I led the design and development of our culminating art book/zine, which emerged from a two-day public workshop at Milieux Institute. I compiled and edited the content, designed its visual identity, and helped facilitate an open space where participants could reimagine human-machine relations through care, curiosity, and resistance.

I was also deeply involved in the production of all artistic outcomes, including interactive performances (NAO’s Sweet Spot, Party Pooper), a manifesto, and two public exhibitions at Concordia’s 4th Space and Eastern Bloc. These featured video installations, photography, and our commemorative altar Farewell, Dear Friend, paying tribute to NAO following an unexpected system failure.

At the Eastern Bloc exhibition, I took the lead in exhibition design and production, overseeing the curation, placement of works, scenography, and creation of labels. This comprehensive approach ensured a cohesive and immersive experience for visitors, encapsulating the essence of our explorations into human-machine relationships.

Together, these works formed a multi-layered, participatory investigation into how we live with and shape our machinic companions through care, ritual, and shared creativity.