Digital Art and the AI-Generated Art Debate
By Ali Roberts
The genre of digital art encompasses a wide range of mediums utilizing a variety of tools. Artland Magazine defines digital art as “any creative practice that uses digital technology as an essential part of the artistic process.” Digital art processes and tools widen the possibilities of what artists can produce in terms of time spent and technical skill. In recent years, digital art production has exploded as access to technology has increased.
The origins of digital art can be traced back to the 1960s when artists began exploring ideas of a future of connectivity. In the 1980s, this exploration crossed over into the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI), when artist Harald Cohen created a drawing robot that could learn to draw more complex shapes over time. Now, AI holds potential tools for artists as well as some concerns for the implications of using AI.
Generating AI artwork has become increasingly accessible. Presently, there are computer applications that allow an individual to type words in a text box, which are then turned into an image based on the algorithms used by the AI program. These images can be incredibly complex and are produced in mere moments. This technology has created some unease for artists who depend on commission work and some have posited that AI artworks are technically just plagiarism.
This debate was recently reinvigorated when an AI-generated artwork won first place at the Colorado State Fair’s art competition in the emerging digital artists section. Some argue that this piece is “cheating” while others defend it, claiming there is still a need for an artists’ creativity to produce an AI-generated piece. Digital artists have pointed out the fact that AI programs use existing digital artworks to build the images, indicating artistic plagiarism.
As a tool, AI provides many opportunities for thought-provoking and influential artworks. However, the concerns expressed by other artists should be considered moving forward. AI technology will surely continue to expand and what we continue to do with this technology will greatly impact the lives of many, not just artists. It is crucial to think about how we might engage with technology in mindful ways, considering the potential impacts and consequences.
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