Museums, Robots, Donuts and Reality

The Museum of Robots is a very special place for me, as I’ve been a science fiction fan for many years. This virtual museum provides 3D representations of all the most famous robots seen in the movies, ranging from Robby in Forbidden Planet to R2D2 and even more recent mechanical men. I’m standing above beside Isaac Asimov’s famous three laws of robotics

When I visited a few weeks ago there was a robot-building contest taking place outside the museum. There were many entries, all of which were interesting in their own way. Some were incredibly elaborate, and there were several Forbidden Planet Robbies, but my favorite was the electronic maids from the Jetson’s, who were cleaning up a spill.

As if the robotic displays weren’t enough, the museum seems to offer periodically changing temporary exhibits as well. At this time was a showing entitled, “Robots and Donuts”. Now, you might ask yourself what those two esoteric and common topics would have to do with each other? Frankly, I immediately thought “this is going to be baaaad.” I went inside anyway to have a laugh. And, it turned out I was entertained – but not in the way I expected.

“Robots and Donuts” is a series of paintings by artist Eric Joyner, who, strangely enough, specializes in the obtuse theme of robots and, yes, donuts. First, the paintings are of high technical quality. But secondly, the artistic elements are weirdly interesting. Each picture is a totally bizarre clash of robotic scenes and giant donuts. Not only do most of the famous robots appear in the works, but also all the donuts are represented too: chocolate glaze, sprinkles, etc.

In spite of the unreality of the robots themselves, and the unbelievable intersection of robots and donuts, the placement of the two together in seemingly normal scenes somehow makes it all seem very, erm, normal. Even so, all of this takes place in virtual reality.

If you can, I’d suggest you take a TP to the Museum of Robotics for a good long look around. It’s worth the trip. You can visit the museum right here.