Ian Cheng

Ian Cheng (b. 1984, Los Angeles, USA) lives in New York, USA. Cheng’s work takes a deep-time perspective towards technological formats by opening them back up to their behavioural, bodily, and evolutionary influences, while not denying their advanced cultural function. Recent projects have used live computer simulation to allow viewers to exercise the feelings of anxiety, confusion, and cognitive dissonance that accompany moments of change. 

At Liverpool Biennial 2016, Cheng's  Emissary Forks For You is a mixed reality simulation in which a small dog, Shiba Emissary, verbally commands the viewer to follow her throughout the exhibition at Cains Brewery. With promise of reward, the viewer assumes a new role: Shiba Emissary’s pet. 

Since the Enlightenment, the distinction between humans and other creatures has been founded on intelligence.  Something Thinking of You at Hondo Chinese Supermarket examines this boundary, arguing that technology now has the capacity to think and make decisions on its own. Cheng’s simulations use technology that enables characters and scenes to evolve outside his control, free to create their own universe.

Recent solo exhibitions have been presented at Pilar Corrias, London, UK (2015); Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, Turin, Italy (2015); Frieze New York, New York (2015); Kunsthalle Dusseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany (2015); La Triennale di Milano, Milan, Italy (2014). Group exhibitions include Musee d’Moderne Paris, Paris, France (2015); Albright-Knox, Buffalo, USA (2015); Taipei Biennial, Taipei, Taiwan (2014); Lyon Biennial, Lyon, France (2013); MoMA PS1, New York, USA (2013); and Sculpture Center, New York, USA (2012).

Ian Cheng at Liverpool Biennial 2016

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Emissary Forks for You, 2016
Live simulation, infinite duration Google Tango tablets
Commissioned by Liverpool Biennial
Exhibited at Cains Brewery

Something Thinking of You, 2015
Infinite durational video
Exhibited at Hondo Chinese Supermarket