Is AI an Artist or being artistic?

Or Simply Following Instructions from the User?...What is real art?...How is AI reshaping the art marketplace?

By Jenuine

In recent years, the boundaries between technology and creativity have been blurred. As AI advances, we are witnessing the emergence of AI-generated art—a concept that raises a fascinating question: Is AI creating art, or is it merely following instructions from the user? And perhaps even more intriguingly, can AI-generated works truly be considered art?

The Nature of Creation: Art or Algorithm?

Art has always been a deeply human endeavor. It's often described as an expression of emotion, a manifestation of the soul, or a reflection of society and culture. When we think of famous works of art—Picasso’s Guernica, Van Gogh’s Starry Night, or Michelangelo’s David—we think of the genius and creativity behind these masterpieces. These artists used their intuition, emotion, and unique worldviews to create works that have stood the test of time.

In contrast, artificial intelligence doesn't have intuition or emotion. It doesn’t have a soul or personal experiences to draw from. So when an AI system generates a piece of art, is it truly creating something new, or is it simply following a complex set of instructions?

The Role of the User: Collaborator or Creator?

AI art systems, like the one I recently encountered in an exhibit by Wolfbear titled Untitled by You, often rely on input from a user. The system prompts the user to describe an artwork in plain text, and then the AI interprets that input and generates a visual representation based on the given description. This collaborative process raises another important question: Who is the real creator of the artwork—the AI or the user?

On the one hand, it’s easy to argue that the AI is simply executing a program based on the instructions it receives. In this view, the human user remains the artist, using the AI as a tool to bring their vision to life. After all, humans have always used tools in the creative process—whether it’s a paintbrush, a chisel, or a camera.

But on the other hand, AI-generated art can often surprise and surpass user expectations. An AI can introduce new patterns, perspectives, and combinations that a human might not have considered. In this sense, AI isn’t just following orders—it’s contributing something unique, even if it doesn’t have the conscious intent behind its creation.

Could AI-Generated Works Ever Be Considered Art?

This question—whether AI-generated works can be considered art—touches on the very definition of art itself. If we define art as a form of creative expression that evokes emotion, communicates ideas, and challenges perceptions, then it’s possible to argue that AI-generated works can indeed be considered art. AI may lack human qualities, but its creations can still stir emotions, spark conversations, and offer new insights.

In many ways, AI is pushing the boundaries of what we consider art. It’s forcing us to reconsider the role of the artist, the nature of creativity, and the value of originality. Some critics argue that true art must come from a conscious being with intent, while others believe that art can emerge from any process that produces beauty, meaning, or emotional impact—whether human or machine-generated.

A New Artistic Era?

The rise of AI-generated art challenges us to rethink what it means to create. As we stand at the intersection of technology and art, we must ask ourselves: Can machines be artists? Or are they simply tools in the hands of human creators?

As someone deeply invested in innovation, entrepreneurship, and the transformative power of technology, I believe that AI-generated art represents a new chapter in artistic history. It’s not about replacing human artists but expanding the possibilities of what art can be. Just as photography, film, and digital design have broadened the definition of art in their times, AI is doing the same today.

Where is the real value? The real value may not lie in whether AI is “truly” creating, but in how we as humans choose to interact with the newest and most creative tools. AI allows us to see the world in new ways and to explore artistic possibilities that were once unimaginable. And in that sense, whether the artist is human or machine may matter less than the art itself and the conversations it sparks.

Conclusion: Art Beyond the Artist

In the end, whether AI-generated works are considered art may depend on how we define art itself. Perhaps the most exciting part of this conversation is that it forces us to think more deeply about creativity, collaboration, and the future of artistic expression. As we continue to explore the role of AI in art, one thing is clear: technology is reshaping the creative landscape, and the possibilities are endless.

What do you think—can AI be an artist, or is it simply following our lead? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Stay Creative, Stay Curious, Be Innovative!

—Jenuine

For the Next 2 Linkedin 'C-Sweeter Exits' Newsletters, I might attempt to answer the following 2 questions:

1. What is real art?...
2. How is AI reshaping the art marketplace?

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