AI Art: Is It Truly Art or Just a Passing Trend?
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Chapter 1: The Evolution of Art Perception
Have we become too hesitant to embrace the latest breakthroughs in artistic technology? Phrases like "That's not art!" echo in response to unconventional works—whether it's a canvas splashed with paint, a sculpture fashioned from a urinal, or even a blank space in a gallery. These pieces challenge our understanding of art, and that’s precisely the intention behind them.
This challenge extends to the methods of creation. With the advent of photography in the 19th Century, commissioning an artist for a portrait became obsolete when a camera could capture an individual’s likeness more efficiently and accurately. Yet, does that mean the person operating the camera isn't an artist?
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Section 1.1: The Role of the Artist
If the aim was just to replicate an image, then anyone with a rudimentary grasp of camera operation could be classified as a photographer. After all, anyone can snap a picture, right? In contrast, traditional painters have always aimed for more than mere likeness. They strive to express the essence or emotion of their subjects, whether real or idealized, utilizing their knowledge of composition, light, shadow, and color. Their tools are not just brushes and paint; they are instruments to manifest their vision.
The emergence of mechanically created images didn't eliminate the role of "true artists." Early photographers demonstrated that they could apply artistic techniques in their craft and even explore the same stylistic and abstract realms as painters. They were bringing their own artistic ideas to life. Over time, even those who didn't physically create their images began to be acknowledged as artists.
Section 1.2: Digital Art and CGI Acceptance
The acceptance of digital design and computer-generated imagery (CGI) mirrored this evolution. We discovered that using a stylus to create art isn’t vastly different from wielding a paintbrush, and crafting 3D graphics merges the skills of photography and sculpture. Ultimately, it is the artist—not the machine—who produces the artwork. Although technology has introduced new tools, the core principles of art remain unchanged.
Chapter 2: The AI Debate
Now, what about AI-generated art? Are critics mistakenly conflating the tool with the artist once again? One distinction with AI art is that the human artist's skill may not be as apparent in the final product. Typing a prompt to generate images can feel akin to merely pressing a button that says "draw me Batman."
However, like photography, there may be more complexity to AI art than is immediately visible. Perhaps there are specific techniques and skills that differentiate a Midjourney "snapshot" from a piece of fine art created by DALL-E 2. Are we skeptics of AI art failing to look deeply enough?
The first video, titled "No, Ai 'Art' is not Art," examines the ongoing debate surrounding the legitimacy of AI-generated artworks, questioning whether they can truly be classified as art.
The second video, "Why AI art is now unpopular and its no surprise," delves into the reasons behind the declining interest in AI art, providing insights into public perception.
P.S. Here’s a narrative from Jim the AI Whisperer that addresses this very topic:
"I shared my AI art on a Phantom of the Opera fan site. The response was overwhelming… Hundreds appreciated my AI creations until someone named Karen showed up."