New media artist Jason Van Anden creatures, Neil and Iona, are sculptures that simulate human feelings and interelate with each other and their audience through a combination of facial expression, sound and physical gesture.
Neil and Iona are able to see and respond to people using optical sensors hidden in their heads. Each sculpture is endowed with their own set of charms and emotions, which compete with each other to manipulate the feelings of those around them.
![preview_107[1].jpg](http://www.we-make-money-not-art.com/xxx/preview_107%5B1%5D.jpg)
Neil and Iona are prototypes for the family of robotic entities that will make up The Smile Project and will next be exhibited in September of 2004, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Via Third Place Gallery.