MDMS
Erica
Digital Drawings
09 - 31 January 2020

PRESS RELEASE

Opening: Thursday, 09 January 2020 at 18h00
Venue: Mondejar Gallery, Seestrasse 71, 8702 Zollikon, Zurich, Switzerland

The artist will be present.

MDMS Vision: Uniting Humanity, Robotics, and Art

MDMS’s recent visit to Japan ignited a creative journey, culminating in a series of six thought-provoking artworks inspired by Erica, a groundbreaking, almost human-like robot created by Professor Dr. Hiroshi Ishiguro. Erica, celebrated for her lifelike appearance and advanced artificial intelligence, serves as the muse for MDMS’s exploration of the intersection between technology, humanity, and existential questions.

One of the pieces in this series reflects MDMS’s fascination with Dr. Ishiguro’s pioneering work, which seeks to understand human intentions and desires through robotics. Inspired by Erica’s capabilities, MDMS envisions a future where such robots transcend their current roles to become profound companions in daily life.

A Vision of the Future

In MDMS’s imaginative vision, robots like Erica could be equipped with advanced operating systems containing the accumulated wisdom of philosophers, psychologists, artists, and other great minds from the past to the present. These robots could become more than technological tools—they could act as caregivers in eldercare homes, personalised companions designed to combat loneliness, or even partners in rediscovering the meaning of life.

MDMS envisions robots tailored to individual needs, capable of matching moods, easing dementia through discussions about nostalgic music, and providing emotional and intellectual support. These robots could revolutionise how we experience companionship, blending technology with deeply human interactions.

A Personal Tribute

This series of artworks also holds deep personal significance for MDMS. It is a heartfelt tribute to the memory of her late father, who often shared the quote featured in one of the pieces: “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.” This quote, attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt, served as a lifelong inspiration to MDMS, instilling in her a commitment to profound thought and creativity. The quote, cherished by her father, has become a guiding principle that she continues to hold close and draw strength from.

The Creative Process

This visionary series stems entirely from MDMS’s reflective and philosophical musings on human-robot interaction. The artistic sketches for the series are meticulously crafted by Caspar Schmidlin, translating MDMS’s ideas into compelling visual narratives. Together, their collaboration offers a bold glimpse into a future where technology and humanity coalesce to address fundamental questions of connection, companionship, and identity.

Far more than a creative exercise, this series is a provocative exploration of how technology can enrich human lives. It challenges viewers to consider the profound role artificial intelligence might play in shaping a compassionate, connected, and meaningful future. Through this visionary work, MDMS continues to lead dialogues at the frontier of art, technology, and humanity, while honouring the enduring wisdom and inspiration of her father.

For more information contact Mondejar Gallery, info@mondejargallery.com +41 76 5770854

Video of the muse:





Details of Works: