![[OLD FALL 2017] 15-104 • Introduction to Computing for Creative Practice](https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/15-104/f2017/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/stop-banner.png)
Ian Cheng’s Emissary Sunsets The Self (2017) is the last work in his Emissaries trilogy (2015-2017). Emissary Sunsets The Self is an open ended live digital simulation that explores the complex themes of evolution, human behavior, and the history of consciousness. These themes were derived from Cheng’s background in cognitive science. Cheng utilizes a video game engine to create unpredictable animated worlds. He employs computer generated simulations, similar to those used in predictive technologies, to create these complex settings. Each character in this simulated world is equipped with custom AI that reacts to the surrounding environment as well as other characters within the simulated world.
The idea that a computer generated simulation could basically react to itself is very compelling yet a bit disturbing. The artist himself does not even know what outcomes would be produced from this simulation. Being able to learn more about the human condition through this technology is ironic. This irony gives the simulation an even more mysterious personality.
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