Empathy
30" x 24" Oil on Panel 2016

Nominated in the Editorial Category for a Spectrum Award

private collection

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Empathy is a continuing investigation I have with the theme of robots engaged in very human, emotional moments. The act of charity is one of the most profound gestures of selflessness we as humans part take of, both through the gift of some material possession of worth and through the empathetic connection to the beneficiary. The act is a representation of not only of intelligence, but of an understanding and interconnectedness to the world around us. We are not traveling through this life alone, but with billions of other life forms. As a species which can speculate upon our future, humans are caretakers of the world around us.

For these reasons I find it fascinating that robots may some day reach a level of intelligence where they may recognize this responsibility to our world, taking steps to insure the balances of nature. But will they act with empathy, as we now do? This painting postulates a time in the future when these questions will be raised by those who are not human…