Brenda is the classic fuel of automata nightmares

Art is a strange thing. Sometimes its purpose is purely aesthetic. Sometimes he makes a statement. And sometimes it exists to disturb. Kinetic art is no different and some robots fall into this category. Graham Asker's art prompts reflection on the relationship between humans and robots, as well as the relationships between different robots. But as Brenda, a classic-style automaton, demonstrates, Asker's art can also cause nightmares.

Brenda and her companion Brian are strange bodiless robots designed to mimic the aesthetics of automata from myth and history. Each robot is a construction of fine brasses, mechanical joints, linkages and cables. Servos hidden inside the robots' bases operate the various joints, giving Brenda and Brian the ability to emit emotions. Most of their "facial" movements are in their eyes. Realistic eyeballs peer around inside heavy lids, while pivoting eyebrows help convey expressions.

Arduino boards, also hidden in the bases of the robots, control the servos that operate the joints. Asker programmed the Sketches with a variety of different servo movements that match facial expressions and eye movements. Brenda even got lips, so she can smile — or frown. The bases of both robots rotate, so the robots can turn to look at their surroundings. Brenda and Brian don't have communication gear and therefore can't interact with each other, but Asker can sync their precoded movements to create the illusion that they do.

Asker, who is a retired engineer with an MFA, has exhibited Brenda at London's Espacio Gallery and on the Walthamstow Art Trail.