Image source; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmond_de_Belamy
Artist
Obvious (collective)
Medium
Ink
Subject
Male portrait
Dimensions
70 cm × 70 cm (27.5 in × 27.5 in
My social media this week has been awash with AI Generated art, causing some caustic comments from those indignant at having taken years to hone a physical skill that is copied at the touch of a button.
AI uses algorithms based on a vast database of human art which is then analysed and used to generate a unique image from random prompt words. As more and more images are created the AI learns and improves, creating art that fetches eye-watering prices such as the famous AI Portrait ‘Edmond de Belamy’ that sold at Christie’s for an impressive USD 432000.
While I can understand the controversy surrounding such work, for me it seems the logical next step of human art evolution. I can imagine when the first photographs were catagorised as art and began fetching prices above those of paintings, there were similar voices questioning whether this devalued years of training in oils. Now however photography, video, sound, and procreate are all accepted as valid media in the art world, with recognition of the human skill and concept behind such work. Perhaps that is part of the problem, the human concept and skill behind AI may be less immediately obvious, however, it was human hands that have taken generations to develop the coding and programming for the software. Just as it was human hands that created the many images of artwork that the program used to evolve its algorithms.
Just as the camera did before it, AI widens the audience to art and allows us to explore new media and styles. Ultimately, as with all art, it is dependent on the subjective response of the viewer. Some people may be inspired only by brush strokes encapturing a moment of emotion, for others the wonder comes from the advancement of technology, human evolution and the awe this inspires. Either is valid, and either is worth whatever someone wants to pay for it.
Just as art has evolved from the first red hands on cave walls to plastic acrylics so it will continue to do so. With an ever-growing population, there is surely room for all?
