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
Does Solaris’ self-charging solar motorcycle signal an era of energy-autonomous vehicles?

Daily Signals

Does Solaris’ self-charging solar motorcycle signal an era of energy-autonomous vehicles?

Mask Architects has revealed Solaris, a concept motorcycle that generates its own power through an integrated solar system, eliminating the need fo...
Mobility : Motorcycle : Solar Power
Pantone positions controversial Colour of the Year 2026 as a cultural reset

Daily Signals

Pantone positions controversial Colour of the Year 2026 as a cultural reset

Pantone has named Pantone 11-4201 Cloud Dancer its Colour of the Year 2026, a soft, billowy white that signals a shift toward calm, clarity and cre...
Design : Aesthetics : Society
Stat: Why UK child-rearing costs almost a quarter of a million pounds

Daily Signals

Stat: Why UK child-rearing costs almost a quarter of a million pounds

The cost of raising a child in the UK has soared, with parents now spending on average £249,000 ($331,400, €284,300) from pregnancy to 18, up £46,0...
Finance : Parenting : Cost Of Living
Delta Locals reveals the rise of human-centred travel content

Daily Signals

Delta Locals reveals the rise of human-centred travel content

Delta Air Lines is entering the travel-content space with Delta Locals, a new platform that connects users to global destinations through immersive...
Travel : Hospitality : Technology
Foresight Friday: Ella Murray, junior creative visualiser

Daily Signals

Foresight Friday: Ella Murray, junior creative visualiser

Every Friday, we offer an end-of-week wrap-up of the topics, issues, ideas and virals we’re all talking about. This week, junior creative visualise...
Foresight Friday : Intelligence : Society
Stat: UK shoppers turn to agentic AI as Black Friday sparks surge in automated commerce

Daily Signals

Stat: UK shoppers turn to agentic AI as Black Friday sparks surge in automated commerce

New research from PSE Consulting, a UK payments and technology consultancy, reveals a sharp rise in AI-enabled shopping tools in the run up to Chri...
Retail : Artifical Intelligance : Agentic AI
South Africa's Pick n Pay banks on humour for its Christmas campaign

Daily Signals

South Africa's Pick n Pay banks on humour for its Christmas campaign

South African grocery retailer Pick n Pay has unveiled its 2025 Christmas campaign, a South African twist on the classic genie tale that taps into ...
Retail : Branding : Advertising
Why Bombardier is tapping luxury designer Elie Saab for its Global 8000 jet

Daily Signals

Why Bombardier is tapping luxury designer Elie Saab for its Global 8000 jet

As further evidence of our New Era of Gilded Luxury Travel trend, luxury brand Elie Saab has partnered with aircraft manufacturer Bombardier to des...
Luxury : Travel : Hospitality
Stat: UK school satisfaction improves yet disparities persist

Daily Signals

Stat: UK school satisfaction improves yet disparities persist

A new consolidated report from the Department for Education (DfE) reveals that British secondary school pupils are becoming more positive abou...
Youth : Education : School
Why Apple is leaning into artisanal charm for 2025 festive push

Daily Signals

Why Apple is leaning into artisanal charm for 2025 festive push

Apple’s 2025 Christmas campaign, A Critter Carol, puts human craftsmanship front and centre.
Technology : Advertising : Design
You have 2 free News articles remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN