An intersection of art and science, Feingold's If/Then is a remarkable piece that combines robotics, philosophy and sculpture. Two robotics heads are immersed in styrofoam as if they are still sitting at the factory, waiting to be packed up. The two engage in an existential dialogue with each other that "probes the philosophical issues of their likeness as well as their separateness and likeness" (Christiane Paul, Digital Art, 148).
And here is another Feingold project, entitled Box of Men (2007) that raises similar questions, and is equally as fascinating.
The installation holds many layers of meanings, especially if one thinks about the development and execution process the artist underwent to create the piece. Feingold conceived the idea of creating two robotic heads that contemplate their existence, and then had to create the algorithm to create the dialogue they engage in, and then create the physical sculpture, and so on. The entire project, from conception to installation, is a commentary, or reflection on, creation.
