Scapegoat

2004

In this installation, a robotic sculptural form stands at attention inside the grey ring of a circle. When the viewer enters their space, the robotic sculpture begins a process of deliberation. This period lasts between 1 and 3 minutes and ends when the robot arrives at a decision to choose the black or white ring of the circle.

The viewer witnesses this “decision” as the back-and-forth movements of the robot finally come to rest on one side or the other. The topmost portion of the sculpture is an ambiguous object that may resemble alternately a witch’s hat, a dunce cap, a mask, a vessel, or a ritual hood.