Ex Machina
EX MACHINA is a collaboration between pianist Clara Yang and Xuan to explore the complex connections and inseparable entanglement between humans and machines. Beginning with the pianist/piano relationship as a starting point, the project takes a deep dive into the multi-faceted aspects of artificial life artistically, musically, and philosophically, through eleven newly commissioned works. Composers include Clara Yang, Reena Esmail, Lee Weisert, Phil Young, Liliya Ugay, Allen Anderson, Stephen Anderson, and Christopher Cerrone, and additionally features electronic/hip-hop artist Suzi Analog, guitarist /songwriter Yvette Young, and movement artist Yili Fan as live performers.
Throughout the performance, audiences are prompted to wonder,
“Am I… [afraid, filled with desire, devasted, elated]… or am I just programmed to?”
Photos by Xuan, captured at Swain Hall, presented by the UNC Process Series, Mar 21-22, 2025.