Rehearsal for Robot Bodies

The artwork builds on artist Samuel Swope’s experience working with controlled and autonomous robotic systems, particularly with custom-made aerial drones, as performing entities. Collaborating with contemporary-movement choreographer, Sudhee Liao, the performance features a cast of modified robotic lawnmowers currently in use at the performance site, the historic Fort Canning Park in Singapore. These robotic performers will draw on diverse influences, ranging from traditional and contemporary dance and movement practices, swarm choreography, and the movement of robotic entities used for menial and repetitive labour.

Through this intervention into public space, Swope and Liao will reflect on the evolution of contemporary movement practices, positioning the moving body in response to the automation of image-based artistic practices, automation of labour, and the potential roles and limitations imposed on non-human entities in an anthropocentric, productivity-driven society.

This performance is a pre-Biennale activation, presented as part of the upcoming Singapore Biennale 2025.