Generating Synthetic Autonomy: Pararealistic Explorations and Implications of Ian Cheng’s BOB (Bag of Beliefs)
by Laura Lake Smith

Ian Cheng’s BOB (Bag of Beliefs) (2018–19) is an AI-driven live simulation featuring a mutable, snake-like digital lifeform shaped by motivational AI and sensory input via the interactive BOB Shrine.

#DigitalArt #AI #SyntheticAutonomy #IanCheng #Pararealism
https://journals.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/index.php/dah/article/view/102655

New article just published in the International Journal for Digital Art History:

What happens when an AI-driven snake-like lifeform named BOB learns from our inputs—and in turn begins to reshape our beliefs and autonomy?
This essay introduces the concept of synthetic autonomy and analyzes Cheng’s live simulation through the lens of pararealism, animation theory, and the uncanny.

📖 Read here: https://journals.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/index.php/dah/article/view/102655
#DigitalArtHistory #AIArt #SyntheticAutonomy #IanCheng #MediaArt #Pararealism

Mind currently overrun with #iancheng's conception of #worlding, having finally read the first edition of "Emmisary's Guide to Worlding".

Is it really about art? I'm pretty sure it's actually about EVERYTHING, but that may say as much about me as the book.

Looking forward to the imminent promised new edition.