"MoMA PS1 presents Ian Cheng’s (b. 1984) first US museum solo presentation, featuring the artist’s complete Emissary trilogy (2015–17), a series of live simulation works created using a video game engine. Described by the artist as “a video game that plays itself,” the works are 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. The trilogy was recently acquired by The Museum of Modern Art and is on display for the first time at MoMA PS1."
Live Stream Schedule on MoMa's Twitch channel:
“Emissary in the Squat of Gods,” April 9 to May 22
“Emissary Forks at Perfection,” June 6 to July 24
“Emissary Sunsets the Self,” August 8 to September 25
Related: An evening with Ian Cheng, April 24 2017 at MoMa
LINK: Ian Cheng at MoMa
