Is AI art really a threat to artists?
Jason Allen's A.I.-generated work, "Théâtre D'opéra Spatial"
Since a few years ago, there has been Artificial Intelligence (AI). Recent innovations, such as
DALL-E 2,
Midjourney, and
Artbreeder, have, however, made it possible for even the most amateur artists to create complex, abstract, or lifelike works by simply typing a few lines into a text box. The limit of art is no longer one's technical proficiency, but rather one's creativity and capacity for word play.
Because of these apps, many human artists are naturally worried about their own futures; after all, who would pay for art if they could make it themselves? These apps have also sparked intense debates about the ethics of AI-generated art and opposition from those who think they are simply a high-tech form of copying.
Art?
AI "art" may appear to be created in a matter of seconds, but human artists spend years perfecting their craft. a code that imitates other creators without actually imitating them.
Art also develops over time. The intentions of the artists are reflected in their work, which are frequently affected by their environment. It's normal to be afraid of change and to stand by what you already know.
"The fear has sometimes been expressed that photography would in time entirely supersede the art of painting. Some people seem to think that when the process of taking photographs in colors has been perfected and made common enough, the painter will have nothing more to do." - Henrietta Clopath, 1901
Photographic reproduction was criticised at the time as being simply mindless and lacking "that refined feeling and sentiment which animate the productions of a man of genius." A celebrated art form, photography is no longer feared in this way thanks to its sophisticated techniques and distinctive creative methods.
Today, the worries appear to be equally exaggerated. But perhaps the painters are correct this time. In actuality, artificial intelligence is a world apart from earlier technology. The new AI tools stand out because, in addition to being able to create stunning images in a matter of seconds, they are also built and trained using sophisticated algorithms that comb through millions of images posted online every day, including those created by real artists who, by uploading new works, unwittingly aid the development of their biggest rival. The speed and processing power of AI are simply beyond the capabilities of humans, which could spell the end for an entire sector.
Image created with artbreeder
Stolen Art
AI art utilises pre-existing images/artworks, which is its primary distinction from photography or works by artists who borrow ideas from others. whereas photography records the world around us, whether realistically or abstractly, to create new images. The major drawback of this kind of art is that it is not original. It was taken.
Consider the illustration below, which combines word challenges with the artwork (which is covered by the Met's
Open Access policy):
Image created with artbreeder
How does it work?
AI is a tool for creativity that uses algorithms that follow predetermined guidelines to analyse thousands of images in order to understand a particular creation process, such as a particular aesthetic or style. These pictures might have originated from an artist's personal art websites, Instagram, or Pinterest. This AI uses these images to produce new works without having to pay for them or obtain permission to do so.
Even though the opposing view claims that AI is merely copying human artists through observation and learning, you have to wonder where this motivation is coming from. Whether it's coincidental or not, it's an option that should be considered.
AI is Everywhere
This cannot be overstated. Just scratching the surface, AI can also drive cars, find new drugs, compose essays, and handle math problems. The mundane and boring parts of life are where AI is helpful because it learns from humans and develops along with them. It is something to be mindful of rather than something to be afraid of.
Because AI needs data to understand patterns and make decisions, privacy is still a concern in all applications of the technology. We will have to wait for laws and rules to catch up with artificial intelligence because there are countless ways in which it is starting to affect our lives.
Art is Dead
Although it makes sense that artists feel threatened by this artificial intelligence if that is where they earn their money, art is not extinct. It can be stunning and impressive, but when you learn that it was created by AI, something about it lacks its appeal. Simply put, it is soulless. On the other hand, new artists have also arisen as a result of this new technology. It is undoubtedly important to take note of the fact that they have rapidly mastered the use of prompts to their advantage and produce amazing pieces.
It may be inevitable that many businesses will choose to use AI to create their artwork at some time in the future rather than humans. AI-generated art is much quicker and less expensive than hiring an artist to produce one picture over the course of several months. You can bet that's the option that businesses will select if offered the option of having hundreds, if not thousands, of images to choose from in a matter of weeks while paying just one person to write prompts all day.
Can't kill passion
whether AI art fades away as a trend or endures to bring its authors to ruin. Human creations will always be more beautiful and vibrant. Perhaps the technological revolution will help us rediscover the true beauty of the works of art created by humans, whether they are displayed on your Instagram profile or kept secret in international museums.
In the end, human-made art will always be more beautiful, but that won't stop people from doing what they enjoy and making art that confronts difficult topics. We create because we adore to do it, and nothing will stop us from doing that.
