AI and artists can be seen as both partners and opponents in the battle for creative supremacy. That’s if creative supremacy is even a thing. On one hand, AI can assist artists by providing new tools and techniques for creation, allowing them to explore new avenues of expression and push the boundaries of what is possible. For example, AI can help artists generate new ideas and designs, automate tedious tasks, and even create new artworks from scratch.
I spent some time working with DALL E yesterday and used one of my images to initiate a DALL E Variation and the result is below with the original “African Daisy in a Bottle” on the left. I also tried out the website Images.AI to generate a 3D version of the Joa Jerboa character I had created with some interested results (included at the end of this post). There are definitely more creative avenues to explore on the road to producing engaging and interesting images.
Original photo (left) and AI enhanced image variation (right) using DALL E
On the other hand, AI can also be seen as a threat to the traditional notion of the artist as the sole creator of a work of art. This is because AI-generated art challenges the idea of authorship and originality, as well as raises questions about the value of human creative effort. In some cases, AI-generated artworks may even be indistinguishable from those created by humans, making it difficult to attribute value to a particular artist’s work.
There’s an interesting exhibit at the MIT Museum that explores the nature of art and artists through the lens of technology advancements and the places and spaces where art and Ai coalesces or collides. John Durant, Director, MIT Museum said “We’re here to turn MIT inside out. We want people to understand what contemporary research and innovation are all about and what they mean for everyday life.” Watch the video on PBSO News Hour here.
Ultimately, the relationship between AI and artists is complex and multi-faceted. While AI has the potential to both enhance and undermine the creative process, the future of art and creativity will likely be shaped by the way that artists and technologists collaborate and interact with each other. Some see AI as an opportunity to expand the creative possibilities and explore new forms of expression, while others see it as a threat to the unique role of the artist in the creation of art.
Posing questions and inviting dialogue is a good place to begin to unravel the possibilities and the pitfalls as the technology develops.
Jerboa generated by Images.AI
ps. This blog post was a collaboration between myself and AI text generator ChatGPT
On #SpousesDay my husband and I were having a conversation about AI and it’s potential from the perspective of our industries – his being science and mine being visual arts. He mentioned an article by Rahul Mandlik. “ChatGPT Poised to Disrupt Medical Affairs“. We then started a dialogue with ChatGPT (created by OpenAI to ‘extend the reach and creativity of the human brain’) and posed questions about the future of Visual Art and AI. Here’s what transpired.
Rose Caressed by Light (not an AI generated image) by Vanessa Lee Thomas
Q: What will be the impact of AI on the future of visual arts and artists?
A: AI has the potential to have a significant impact on the future of visual arts and artists. On the one hand, AI algorithms and tools can help artists create new forms of art and make the creative process more efficient. For example, AI-powered tools can be used to generate new images, animations, and videos, or to assist with tasks such as color correction, compositing, and 3D modeling. Additionally, AI can be used to analyze and understand art, which can help scholars and curators better understand the context and meaning behind certain works.
On the other hand, some people worry that the increasing use of AI in the art world could lead to the commodification and devaluation of art, as well as the displacement of human artists by AI-generated works. Ultimately, the impact of AI on the future of visual arts and artists will likely depend on how it is used and the values that guide its development.
Q: So is it only the ethics of the users that will constrain the AI impact?
A: Ethics is certainly one important factor that will shape the impact of AI on the future of visual arts and artists. The values and intentions of the users, developers, and stakeholders involved in the creation and use of AI in the art world will play a crucial role in determining how it is employed and what its effects will be.
However, it’s not only the ethics of the users that will constrain the AI impact. Technical limitations and the state of the art in AI research also play a role. For example, current AI technology may not yet be advanced enough to fully replace human artists or to create truly “original” works of art. Additionally, the legal framework surrounding AI-generated art and copyright may also shape the extent to which AI is used in the art world.
In summary, it’s a combination of the ethics, technical limitations, and legal framework that will shape the impact of AI on the future of visual arts and artists.
Q: Can the legal framework keep pace with the technical development and progress of AI?
A: The legal framework surrounding AI-generated art and copyright can be complex and may not always keep pace with the technical development and progress of AI.
One of the main challenges in this area is determining the legal status of AI-generated works of art. Some argue that such works should be considered original and protected by copyright, while others believe they should be treated as derivative works or even not protected by copyright at all. Additionally, the question of who should be considered the “author” or “creator” of an AI-generated work of art can also be complex.
Another challenge is that AI technology is rapidly evolving, and it can be difficult for lawmakers to keep up with the latest developments and to anticipate how they might be used in the future. This means that laws and regulations may become outdated quickly, and may not effectively address new issues and challenges that arise as AI technology advances.
That being said, it’s important to note that many legal experts, organizations and researchers are working to keep up with the technical development and progress of AI and to ensure that laws and regulations are updated to address the unique challenges posed by AI.
In summary, keeping pace with the technical development and progress of AI in the legal framework surrounding AI-generated art and copyright can be complex and challenging, but it is important to ensure that laws and regulations are updated to address the unique challenges posed by AI and to promote fair and ethical use of the technology.
Central Parkway (not an AI generated image) by Vanessa Lee Thomas
Q:How can creators most effectively leverage the power of AI?
A: Creators can most effectively leverage the power of AI by understanding the capabilities and limitations of the technology, and by using it in conjunction with their own creativity and expertise.
Here are a few ways that creators can effectively leverage the power of AI:
Use AI to assist with tasks that are repetitive or time-consuming, such as image editing, compositing, and animation.
Use AI to generate new ideas or inspiration by experimenting with different algorithms and input data.
Use AI to analyze and understand art, which can help to better understand the context and meaning behind certain works.
Use AI to explore new forms of art that would not be possible with traditional methods.
ncorporate AI-generated elements into your work, but always consider the ethical implications and make sure that the final work is clearly attributed and copyrighted.
However, it’s also important to note that AI is not a replacement for human creativity and expertise. Creators should use AI as a tool to enhance and augment their own skills, rather than relying solely on the technology to generate their work. By combining the power of AI with their own creativity, creators can push the boundaries of what is possible and create truly unique and innovative works of art.
