Tetrabot Ballet #1 (complete painting)

Four robots painted this composition with minimal human intervention on Dec 24th, 2024 in Grand Rapids MI.  This is a unique, one-of-a-kind art piece containing abstract patterns and close-in details left by each robot like tire tracks and brush marks.

Although the painting can be displayed and enjoyed as any other piece of art it's only complete after viewing the videos of the "performance" (short version, full-length version).  The robots are scheduled to run at planned times without human interaction so they each can show the audience their unique talents.

The "cast" of Tetrabot Ballet #1 (in order of appearance):

• Sir Mops-a-Lot:  Applies two colors as a background wash
• Hello Kitty:  Black and white
• Mr. White:  Deep Red
• Mr. Black:  Yellow

Artist statement by AR Brown:  "I wanted to challenge our perception of robots as rigid machines that only do what they're told.  I know from my own professional experience that floor cleaning robots can exhibit non-deterministic behavior and I thought it would be interesting to let them loose with paint to record their actions.  I spent well over 100 hours designing the painting hardware, planning, and testing.  It was very stressful to just sit there to let them run on their own; I found myself remarking at how it's like many things in life where we can only plan and control for so much.  There's an element of chance and randomness to this painting that resonates with me and the path my life has taken.  I hope others can enjoy not just the end-result but the video of the performance."

What's included

Construction:  9-panels joined with 24 heavy-duty deck screws for a total size of 54" x 72" (137 cm x 183 cm).  Professional-grade medium-weight cotton duck, 1.5" thick stretcher bars held with a flexible spline.  Oversized hanging wire and hardware on the top-center panel.
Media:  Acrylic base coat (color:  Parchment), watercolor background wash (blue and grey), acrylic top layers
Finishing:  2 layers of isolation plus 2 coats of varnish
Backside:  Each of the 9 panels includes a professional stencil indicating title, artist, and position
Finished weight:  30 lbs (13.6 kg)
Shipping box size:  Two parcels, each is 22" x 28" x 16" (56 cm x 71 cm x 41 cm)
Assembly required:  Set each of the 9 panels face-down on a clean floor according to the position indicated on the back.  Fasten each of the 24 screws in the pre-drilled holes while holding the panels together and even.  Powered screwdriver recommended.

Ships within 2-3 business days

**** NOTE:  Shipment cost is not included in the price.  Shipping charges are added during checkout (UPS Ground service).  Depending upon your location this may add $150 - $300 to the total price. 

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