Ian Cheng: Emissaries
Friday, May 26, 2017 at 8:00AM 
Ian Cheng - The narrative agents and wildlife of Emissaries (2015-2017) (click photo for larger image)American artist Ian Cheng (b. 1984 was born in Los Angeles, CA. He graduated from UC Berkeley in 2006, with a dual degree in cognitive science and art practice.
Cheng worked at the special visual effects company of George Lucas (Industrial Light and Magic) and earned his MFA at Columbia University in NY, in 2009. “Cheng coined the art form ‘live simulations’ and popularized the use of simulation as a medium available to artistic practice.”
MoMA PS1 presents Ian Cheng’s first US museum solo presentation, featuring the artist’s complete Emissary Trilogy (2015–17). ‘Ian Cheng: Emissaries’ is a series of live simulation works created using a video game engine. Described by the artist as ‘a video game that plays itself,’ the series is comprised of computer-generated simulations like those used in predictive technologies for complex scenarios such as climate change or elections. Populated by a cast of characters and wildlife that interact, intervene, and recombine in open-ended narratives, Cheng’s simulations evolve endlessly as self-contained ecosystems. The exhibition Emissaries marks the completion of this series of works, which contemplate timeless questions about evolution, the origins of human consciousness, and ways of relating to a chaotic existence.” Cheng worked on the trilogy from 2015-2017. The exhibition is currently at MoMA PS1, through September 25, 2017. It has been organized by Peter Eleey, Chief Curator, MoMA PS1, with Jocelyn Miller, Curatorial Associate, MoMA PS1.
MoMA PS1 is one of the largest art institutions in the United States dedicated solely to contemporary art. The museum is located at 22-25 Jackson Avenue at 46th Avenue in Long Island City, Queens, across the Queensboro Bridge from midtown Manhattan, and is easily accessible by bus and subway. By subway, take either the E or M to Court Square-23 Street; the 7 to Court Square; or the G to Court Sq or 21 St-Van Alst. By bus, take the Q67 to Jackson and 46th Ave or the B62 to 46th Ave.
Reader Comments