From engineers asking ChatGPT to write their code, designers relying on Canva AI to fill their PowerPoints with images, and students copying their homework from Meta AI, it is near impossible to find any digital space where AI hasn’t strayed into. The art world is no different.
No longer is the credibility and excellence of art measured by the refinement of your brush strokes or logging hours in the studio— it is judged by who comes up with a cooler concept.
It is undeniable that AI art has reduced the gap between artists and non-artists with ideas for art. But here’s the thing—what are the rules for AI art to be considered real ‘art’? Is art only an idea, or does the execution matter? Is it harming the artist community or giving them newer mediums? Let’s dig deeper.
AI ART BOOM
Before 2022, it wasn’t wrong to think that creative work would always be the forte of humans, but now we might reconsider.
In the last few years, the art world got a major upgrade, courtesy of AI. We were suddenly offered the possibility of anyone creating stunning art with just a few keyboard taps. We’re talking illustrations, photographs, paintings—the whole shebang.
Fast forward a few months, and the quality of these AI-generated images has gone from “meh” to “mind-blowing.” Even commercial artists are dipping their toes in the AI waters, with some embracing the tech and others giving it the side-eye.
It’s like the art world’s own version of the Matrix—we’re not sure what’s real and what’s AI-generated. But one thing’s for sure: the future of art hangs on a fragile balance.
Using generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Imagine Art, people can type a request into a browser in the language they know and get back whatever they asked for—be that a recipe, an illustration, or even a fake photo or video.
THE ETHICS OF AI ART: A Sticky Situation
So, AI art is all the rage, and it’s easy to see why. But, despite its many benefits, it’s also sparking some major debate. What’s the big deal? The answer is simple: AI art isn’t exactly “drawn” in the classical sense. Instead, it’s trained and remixed from existing copyrighted works by artists, illustrators, and photographers who often don’t get the credit—or compensation—they deserve.
A timely example of this controversy is the recent trend of reimagining situations in Ghibli-style animation. Though it is ironical what with co-founder Hayao Miyazaki viewing AI art as an ‘insult to life itself.’
History’s shown us that new, groundbreaking things are often met with resistance at first, only to become widely accepted (and even celebrated) later on. Will AI art follow the same path? That remains to be seen.
THE HUMAN ELEMENT
One question that’s on everyone’s mind: Is art uniquely human?
There are two sides here. Some argue that generative AI is basically a vampire, sucking the life out of original artists’ work and putting them out of a job. Others believe that creating AI art is a creative process in itself—after all, our brains work on patterns and data too.
However you define art or an artist, one thing’s for sure: AI algorithms and machines are causing irreversible impact on the art world.
CTRL+Z TAKEAWAYS: The AI Dilemma—Blend In or Get Left Out?
The AI enthusiasts have been loud and clear: if you don’t hop on the AI bandwagon, you’ll be left in the dust. But not everyone’s convinced. Some are openly resistant to AI art, while others are still weighing their options.
As we navigate this tech-filled world, it’s important to consider the ripple effect of our actions. Are we harming someone or some group, even if we don’t mean to? It’s a tricky question, and one that requires some serious thought.
So, where do you stand: With Artists or with AI? Or do you think they’re not mutually exclusive?
About the Author
I’m Laxmi, a content writer who turns caffeine into words and ideas into stories. If creativity had a speed limit, I’d be breaking it daily. Juggling words, dodging writer’s block, and occasionally questioning my life choices—one sentence at a time. Always typing, always snacking, never not thinking!
Quick links
About the Author
I’m Laxmi, a content writer who turns caffeine into words and ideas into stories. If creativity had a speed limit, I’d be breaking it daily. Juggling words, dodging writer’s block, and occasionally questioning my life choices—one sentence at a time. Always typing, always snacking, never not thinking!