Harmony Chen (9) | STAFF REPORTER
The rise of artificial intelligence has been rapid and revolutionary. From powering self-driving cars to providing digital personal assistance in technology such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa, AI has become a core component of the digital transformation of society.
AI is making an impact in almost every industry, with the art industry being no exception. Generative art is able to create art—whether it be visual art, music, or literature—through a short text prompt in a matter of seconds. This is done through the use of algorithms, data analysis, pattern recognition and other techniques.
Though AI-generated art can be extremely impressive, it is often created unethically. In order for AI art to be produced, it takes a large dataset of existing images, including those that belong to human artists. It manipulates art to a point beyond recognition in which it can appear “original” and “unique.”
In its essence, AI art is stealing art from artists by using it without consent or compensation. Millions of dollars are being earned that, without the input of thousands of original artists, would not have been able to be produced.
AI art is currently being sold in virtual marketplaces, with some selling at staggering prices. This includes an AI produced “painting” which sold at a major auction house for $432,500 in 2018.
Despite the damage it can do to small artists, AI art will not be leaving any time soon. Therefore, it needs to be regulated as to not use art without permission and consequences.
Nonetheless, AI is unable to visualize and create art without the use of references, nor convey intangible emotions and understanding that humans can. Since art is a deeply personal and subjective form of expression, it is highly unlikely that AI art will overtake the industry.
Instead, AI will take its place within the art world by contributing its own unique capabilities, and we should strive to deliver value and recognition to the artists from which AI art utilizes the work. Through the collaboration between AI and humans, there is potential for amazing outcomes to be achieved –outcomes that both revolutionize the perception of art and create positive impacts on humans.
