Will the first sentient AI awaken in 2065?

24 : 05 : 2017 Technology : Digital : Culture

UK – In his new project, Geomancer, Lawrence Lek imagines artificial intelligence taking on the role of an artist.

Geomancer by Lawrence Lek, UK Geomancer by Lawrence Lek, UK
Geomancer by Lawrence Lek, UK Geomancer by Lawrence Lek, UK
Geomancer by Lawrence Lek, UK Geomancer by Lawrence Lek, UK
Geomancer by Lawrence Lek, UK Geomancer by Lawrence Lek, UK

Building on the speculative artist’s previous work on Sinofuturism – the belief that technological advancements in China can be seen as a form of AI – Geomancer follows a conscious machine, which, upon awakening and recognising the subservient roles that AI has been forced to adopt, decides to become the first artificially intelligent artist.

Landing in Singapore, the adolescent satellite AI dedicates itself to learning the art of creativity and, using its resources, sets out to learn the sum of humanity’s cultural history. The work addresses growing fears about post-human consciousness and the possible implications for humanity.

Lek created the dreamscape using video game graphics, devised by an artificially intelligent neural network and overlaid with a synthesised vocal soundtrack.

The Big Picture

  • Inspiring awe and fear in equal measure, AI is the source of continuing debate about what differentiates humans from these machines. For more, read our opinion column on Cracking Creativity
  • Brands such as EyeEm are experimenting with AI to explore the extent to which it can demonstrate human qualities
Discover More Daily Signals
Why LYMA is putting clinical evidence at the centre of skin longevity

Daily Signals

Why LYMA is putting clinical evidence at the centre of skin longevity

Aesthetic technology brand LYMA has unveiled its new campaign, The Science of Youth, combining clinical research with a fresh educational content s...
Beauty : Science : Longevity
Foresight Friday: Fiona Harkin, director of foresight

Daily Signals

Foresight Friday: Fiona Harkin, director of foresight

Every Friday, we offer an end-of-week wrap-up of the topics, issues, ideas and virals we’re all talking about. This week, director of foresight Fio...
Human Behaviour : Globalisation : New World Order
Stat: Car sales still depend on human interaction

Daily Signals

Stat: Car sales still depend on human interaction

Despite a major push from automakers and third-party platforms, only 7% of car buyers in the US complete their purchase entirely online, according ...
Mobility : Retail : Statistic
Stat: Five minutes of daily exercise could help millions of people live longer

Daily Signals

Stat: Five minutes of daily exercise could help millions of people live longer

According to a study by the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, an extra five minutes of daily exercise and 30 minutes less sitting could significa...
Health : Society : Statistic
Pentagram crafts human-centric identity to bring GEIUK gender data to life

Daily Signals

Pentagram crafts human-centric identity to bring GEIUK gender data to life

Independent design agency Pentagram has created a visual identity for GEIUK, the UK’s first tool to measure, map and monitor gender inequality at l...
Design : Data : Gender
Balenciaga signals deeper sport alignment with new range

Daily Signals

Balenciaga signals deeper sport alignment with new range

Luxury fashion house Balenciaga has partnered with the National Basketball Association (NBA) on an autumn 2026 capsule collection that brings baske...
Fashion : Luxury : Sport
Girlfans England puts female fans at the heart of football culture

Daily Signals

Girlfans England puts female fans at the heart of football culture

Built to challenge the sustained oversight of women in football fan media, Girlfans has launched its first national edition.
Sport : GIRLFANS : Football
Shoei’s AR-enabled helmets layer intelligence to enhance riding

Daily Signals

Shoei’s AR-enabled helmets layer intelligence to enhance riding

Japanese helmet maker Shoei has unveiled the world’s first motorcycle helmet to feature a fully integrated augmented reality head-up display (HUD),...
Mobility : Technology : Automotive
Stat: Stress-reducing benefits of exercise are stronger for women than men

Daily Signals

Stat: Stress-reducing benefits of exercise are stronger for women than men

Regular exercise is linked to lower daily stress among US adults, but the effect is significantly stronger for women than men, according to new dat...
Health And Wellness : Exercise : Statistic
DIY punk aesthetics rewrite Burma Burma’s non-alcoholic menu

Daily Signals

DIY punk aesthetics rewrite Burma Burma’s non-alcoholic menu

Burma Burma Restaurant is embracing punk aesthetics with a new spirit-free cocktail menu designed by Mumbai-based studio Naughty Naughty.
Design : Food And Drink : Hospitality
You have 1 free Daily Signals remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN