Ian Cheng

Ian Cheng (born 1984) is an American artist living and working in New York City. He is primarily known for his simulations, which he describes as "live simulations" rather than videos or animations. These simulations are often unbounded, evolving in real-time according to internal rules and algorithms, often influenced by video game design, artificial intelligence, and evolutionary biology. The characters within these simulations are driven by motivations and interact in unpredictable ways, creating emergent narratives.

Cheng's work explores themes of mutation, cognition, and the dynamics of change. His simulations often involve creatures with simplified decision-making processes, allowing viewers to observe the unfolding consequences of programmed behaviors. Key works include the "BOB (Bag of Beliefs)" series, which uses interactive viewers to train an AI creature, and the "Emissaries" trilogy, a series of simulations featuring evolving ecosystems and characters navigating shifting landscapes. His work has been exhibited internationally in museums and galleries. He has also lectured and written about simulation, world-building, and the future of narrative.