Why AI-Generated Art is Not a Threat to the Art World

The Legal and Ethical Questions Surrounding AI-Generated Art

One of the biggest challenges of AI-generated art is the legal and ethical questions surrounding its creation. Platforms that scrape the internet for data sets often include the work of artists and illustrators without their consent, credit, or compensation. This has led to artists feeling violated and exploited. While there are no clear answers to these issues yet, it is clear that the art world will have to address these questions as AI-generated art becomes more prevalent.

AI-Generated Art and the Physicality of Art

As virtual art becomes more dominant, there has been an undeniable rise in the popularity of physical materials such as paint, ceramics, textiles, and sculpture. Physical art pulses and glows before our screen-addled eyes with a kind of talismanic intensity. The physicality of art can never be replicated by AI-generated art. Therefore, if you are an artist who makes physical art, there is nothing to fear from AI-generated art.

Early Examples of AI-Generated Art

There are already some exciting examples of AI-generated art. One example is Refik Anadol's "Unsupervised," which uses machine learning to interpret the Museum of Modern Art's permanent collection and dream about modern abstraction. Another example is the Dutch artist Jeroen van der Most's series of portraits depicting human-like faces with unusual features. These artworks were created in a matter of hours, rather than weeks or months, using AI algorithms trained on thousands of images.

The Future of AI-Generated Art

As AI technology continues to evolve and become more sophisticated, we can expect to see more and more AI-generated art in the coming years. This is both exciting and unsettling for some people. However, it's important to remember that artists have always used technology to create new forms of art. AI-generated art may also help to democratize the art world by making it easier for people to create and share their own artworks. Nonetheless, it's important for artists, policymakers, and society as a whole to grapple with the risks associated with AI-generated art and develop ethical guidelines for its use.

Embracing AI-Generated Art

In conclusion, AI-generated art is not a threat to the art world, but rather an exciting development that can coexist with physical art. Artists should approach AI-generated art with an open mind and a willingness to explore new possibilities. By embracing AI, artists can create works that are innovative, thought-provoking, and beautiful, and help us to better understand the world around us. It is crucial to address the legal and ethical questions surrounding AI-generated art and work to ensure that its development is in the best interests of all parties involved.