(Bag of Beliefs) BOB

 
BOB, short for Bag of Beliefs, is an artificial life form with a consciousness that is perpetually evolving. This creature moves around its digital home, interacting with objects and trying to understand its own needs and how to fulfil them. With a serpent-like body that constantly changes and branches out, BOB navigates the stream of impulses and surprises that life offers, and tries to adapt.  

 
Ian Cheng developed BOB on a gaming platform, and the graphic setting is pared down and simple. The complexity of the work instead lies in the AI architecture that determines the behaviour and choices of this life form. You can download an app (BOB Shrine) to your phone, to make offerings and interact with BOB. In this way, everyone can participate and influence BOB’s development. BOB can also die and be reborn. The artist says that this cyclical element emphasises BOB’s immortal characteristics that live on, beyond our attention and overall existence.