Katrina Hu – Looking Outwards – 11

beauty, 2018-

In the “beauty, 2018-” exhibit by Addie Wagenknecht, a Roomba is reconfigured to spread a lush mixture of cosmetic pigments, pharmaceuticals, perfumes, and skin care across canvas by way of a programmed algorithm. The result is a reinterpretation of beauty and a contemporary portrait of a modern woman.

The purpose of this work is to reclaim visibility with devices typically used to conceal. Wagenknecht has worked with substances that manipulate appearances in the past. She often works with cosmetics and technology to create pieces that resemble a female presence. Many of her works are on display in the artist’s solo exhibition in New York City.

I really admire that this piece is an abstract representation of femininity. It is interesting how the artist often uses Roombas in her work. Now, new models of the Roomba are striving towards memory capabilities and AI edge detection. Wagenknecht takes advantage of this feature in her work constantly.