The application of AI in art is a subject of intense debate. Critics argue that the use of AI in art, lacks true artistry. They claim that art is a craft, and the involvement of AI undermines this craft.
However, there are undeniably beautiful examples of new technology and AI-assisted art, such as the works of Refik Anadol and Fabrique des Lumières, which demonstrate that technology can indeed produce significant art.
How should we view the role of AI in art?
Here are some of my thoughts.
Ethics
In my view, it’s all about ethics. On the one hand, there is the violation of intellectual property rights in the use of unethical AI tools (that are trained in the use of copyrighted material). On the other hand, there is the lack of authenticity and craftsmanship when AI is used for final art, wich replaces the artistic process, missing the personal touch and artisanal effort of the artist. While some might argue that it is not the medium but the vision and intent of the artist that defines art, I think there is a key difference between fully AI-generated art and art where AI is merely a tool, with the presence of the artist’s hand and craftsmanship. AI should used solely for additional support and ideation, and any use of AI should be transparent and fair and must never exploit or appropriate the work of others.
AI as an Assistive Tool
In my own practice, I occasionally use AI as an assistive tool, not a replacement for my artistic process. For me, AI functions as a co-creator, offering suggestions and generating variations that I can refine and adapt. This collaboration with AI inspires me and pushes me beyond conventional boundaries, while my own creativity and craftsmanship remain at the forefront. AI is akin to a paintbrush or a camera—an instrument I use to realize my vision. The creative process may be supported by some of AI’s computational capabilities for certain parts, but the final creation is my own, authentic, original work.
Transparency and Ethics
Regarding moral and ethical perspectives, I think transparency is crucial when using AI in art. Just as we do not want to be misled by manipulated images or fake news, it is important to be open about if and how AI has been employed. In my works, it is always clear when AI has been used. In pieces where I’ve used AI somewhere in the creative process, those works are marked with the distinctive signature “Daphne & Artificial Friends.”
Expanding Artistic Possibilities
Introducing AI into my artistic process has significantly expanded the boundaries of what is possible. AI allows me to explore intricate patterns, generate complex forms, and experiment with styles that might be difficult or impossible to achieve through traditional methods. For instance, in one of my video works, ‘Liminality‘, I used AI to compose the music and to depict my view on liminality. Without AI, these results would not have been attainable in this way. Therefore, I am enthusiastic about exploring the symbiotic relationship between human creativity and AI.
So…
In my view, AI in art is not about replacing human creativity but augmenting it. It may be complicated, but just as photography, digital art, and other forms of media have been embraced as legitimate art forms, certain forms of AI art can also be appreciated for their innovation and the dialogue they create about the role of technology in our lives.
AI is a revolutionary tool that can expand the possibilities of human expression, allowing artists to explore new territories and forms of expression. When AI is used as an assistive tool rather than a replacement, the artist remains at the helm, with their unique perspective giving the work form and meaning. This dynamic relationship between human creativity and AI underscores the ongoing evolution of artistic expression.
[Image: from my video work ‘Liminality‘, created with AI assist.]
Read more and references:
- ITSLIQUID Group. (2024). Hybrid Identities Review, (including a panel discussion on AI, during the Venice Biennale of Architecture).
- Miller, A. I. (2019). The Artist in the Machine: The World of AI-Powered Creativity. MIT Press.
- McCormack, J., Gifford, T., & Hutchings, P. (2019). Autonomy, Authenticity, Authorship and Intention in Computer Generated Art. Leonardo, pages 364-375.
