Emory Baram Marks (She/her) is a Chicago based interdisciplinary artist working at the intersections of fine arts and technology. Currently, Baram Marks is finishing up her BFA at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where her work will be exhibited in the Fall 2026 BFA exhibition.
My robotic sculptures create interactive performances by mirroring everyday human actions. These robots are not intended to replace humans, but mirror human actions as a way for us get closer to understanding what is human.Â
I am currently a student at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, studying in the ATSP department (Art and Technology/Sound Practices). I create robotic sculptures from discarded and outdated electronics as well as motors, air pumps, valves and sensors that trigger movement.
One of my pieces is a blackberry that I affectionately call Steve. Steve has two eyes projected onto it. Using a webcam to track a participant's presence, the eyes then follow the person in every direction when the person moves. Most of the people thought of this as creepy but maintaining eye contact is a human social norm. If it is creepy than why is it necessary in society?