Artificial Intelligence & Art: A Viewpoint
Ever since AI-powered applications like MidJourney, Stable Diffusion, DALL·E, and ChatGPT gained well-deserved popularity, debates have been ongoing about whether AI triumphs over traditional art. On one hand, artworks that previously took years to create can now be generated within minutes using AI. Moreover, many pieces crafted by talented digital artists utilizing AI are truly captivating and draw in viewers.
Yet, the question remains: can an AI-generated artwork possess the same vitality found in pieces created by human artists? Does this mean that real artists are no longer needed when algorithms can produce astonishing masterpieces? Does it mean AI will be able to create meaningful, soulful, profound and provocative art? The answer is self-evident – no. The originality and authenticity of The Last Supper, The Scream, The Girl with the Pearl Earring or La Vie, to name a few, are too human to be created by AI. Technology, new dyes and colors, new materials and brush strokes play a role – an important role but they do not replace the artist. Ai is another in a series of innovative tools and materials in the hands of Artists and it will no doubt unleash a new era of creativity.
Technology has already revolutionised several audio-visual art expressions. The use of CGI, animation, computer graphics and computer vision has already given us great cinematic masterpieces such as Star Wars, Marvel series, Avatar and Simpsons. Would it be fair to compare them with the works of Akira Kurosawa, Satyajit Ray or the great films of yesteryears? It can even be argued that people will no longer throng to movie theatres and there will be rare blockbusters without the use of technology in the creation of the film. AI cannot replace the creator but will many a creation lose its lustre without technology?
"Does it mean AI will be able to create meaningful, soulful, profound, and provocative art? The answer is self-evident: no. The originality and authenticity of works like 'The Last Supper,' 'The Scream,' 'The Girl with the Pearl Earring,' or 'La Vie,' to name a few, are too inherently human to be replicated."
The debate over photography and art is more personal to artists. They fear their works will no longer be appreciated and artistic space will be deluged with AI-created art. These are genuine concerns. The battle between AI and authentic art continues, but we must not overlook the opportunities that new technologies offer. Embracing the advantages of technical progress and AI in art can lead to exciting developments.
Critics of AI in art argue that its usage diminishes the need for human creativity and overall artistic ability. However, proponents of AI in art see it as an enhancer of human creativity rather than its degradation. AI allows humans to view phenomena and events from entirely new perspectives, offering novel solutions in expressing specific processes. Consequently, this significantly broadens an artist’s vision and allows them to explore the creative process more profoundly.
In our view, it is the fusion of a human artist’s creativity with AI algorithms that breathes new life into art. AI expands the range of perception, and introduces fresh ideas and visions, while the artist infuses their creation with life and pours a piece of their soul onto the canvas using vivid colors.
Perfection, often observed in AI-generated artworks, lacks the imperfections that breathe life into genuine human creations. Critics of AI usage claim that AI-generated images lack depth, nuances, and personal expressiveness characteristic of human-made art.
However, when a human artist employs AI to create a painting, they can set parameters that infuse more life and motion into the artwork, thus adding the human factor. The artist, working on a live canvas, can infuse even more life and soul into the piece, achieving the desired depth and expressiveness.
Thus, we bring you an exciting and intriguing collaboration between human artists and digital creators using AI. This partnership, we believe, makes the artwork even more profound, captivating, and soulful.
"The paintings of the Oslo Series by artists working with AI tools from Ai4Art are authentic, original, and carry human DNA in every brushstroke. AI has become a tool as significant as the brush or the palette."
In conclusion, the ongoing debates between AI and authentic art underscore the importance of embracing both. AI serves as a valuable tool that expands the possibilities of artistic expression and enriches the creative process. However, it is the human touch, the artist’s emotions, and their ability to infuse life and soul into their work that brings forth art’s true depth and beauty.
Instead of seeing AI as a replacement, we should celebrate it as a partner that elevates and inspires human creativity. The harmonious collaboration of human artists and AI algorithms leads to a new era of art where the boundaries of imagination are pushed further, unveiling masterpieces that resonate deeply with the human spirit.
By Ajay Goyal & Veronika Tulaeva