Technology and insects
Assign insects with a sense of agency: a will to act on their own accord, or propel ourselves to continually believe that they are husks, only existing to carry out their ancestral rituals. A closer examination into insects and their behaviour specifically in literature allows us to breakdown common notions, draw connections and align thought processes in an attempt to further understand the creatures that heave the essence of existence on their minute shoulders. (Insect Worlds)
Through a deconstruction and dissection of insects, humans replicate the insect world through a technological reimagination. Nanorobotics and microrobotics often draw inspiration from nature, replicating them to serve a purpose (medical, weaponary or aesthetic) for humankind. We create these tiny robots that mimic the behaviours and structure of insects to give these robots an existence. Perhaps like worker ants, these robots carry out a singular duty to serve their creator.
As we explored within the plant world, there is an innate desire within humans to control and manipulate nature to fit an aesthetic. In Courtney Ryan’s article, Playing with Plants, she explores the peculiarity of suburban landscaping and lawns. I think in a way like how we mimic the structure of insects through robotics, we create and shape these perfect lawns and topiaries to mimic nature. Yet the careful maintenance and design of these products (lawns and insect robots) signify human desire to control nature to fit into a certain polished aesthetic. Technological and man made reimaging of nature seeks to place human vision at the top of hierarchal, playing part to the arbitrary definitions and structures placed on nature.
Natalie Cheung
