by ArtTodayTV
ArtToday.tv co-founders and SMA local creators Lon Levin, BFA, a digital art pioneer and seasoned commercial and fine artist, and Gregg Masters, MPH, a digital media content producer for healthcare organizations, bring their thought-provoking presentation, "AI and Art: Where Creativity and Technology Collide or Collaborate?" to the IDEAZ Fair 2024 in San Miguel de Allende on April 20th, 2024.
Their presentation tackles a question that has ignited lively debate in the art world: can AI-generated art be considered “real” art?
The authors take a firm stance: yes, AI-generated art can be art, but with a crucial caveat. They define AI as ‘augmented’ not ‘artificial’ intelligence which in its purest state is machine driven with the artist standing on the sidelines. In their view, AI serves as a powerful tool to ‘assist’ the artist's creative process, rather than in lieu of the ‘human touch’.
AI as a Paintbrush, Not the Painter
Imagine a painter. They have a vision in their head, a story to tell or an emotion to evoke. They select their tools: brushes, paints, perhaps a palette knife. The quality of the brushes and paints might influence the final product, but it is the artist's skill and vision that determines the success of the artwork.
AI can be viewed in the same way. It is a tool, a sophisticated and powerful one, but a “tool” nonetheless. In the hands of a skilled and creative artist, AI can become an extension of their creative vision, pushing boundaries and creating new and innovative forms of expression.
The Pros and Cons of AI-Generated Art
The debate surrounding AI-generated art is multifaceted. Here are some of the key pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
Innovation and Exploration: AI can introduce artists to entirely new creative avenues. It can generate unexpected ideas and forms, sparking new inspirations and artistic movements.
Accessibility and Democratization: AI tools can make art creation more accessible, especially for those who may not have traditional artistic skills.
Efficiency and Speed: AI can automate tedious or repetitive tasks, allowing artists to focus on the more conceptual and creative aspects of their work.
Cons:
Loss of Originality: Over-reliance on AI could lead to a homogenization of art, with pieces starting to look alike.
The Artist's Role: If AI handles too much of the creative process, does the resulting work still embody the unique vision of the human artist?
The Art Market: How will the influx of AI-generated art impact the traditional art market?
AI in Action: The “Aquariosity Project” and “White Hot Coral”
Levin and Masters don't just discuss the theory of AI-assisted art; they demonstrate it in action. Their "Aquariosity Project" is a campaign that deploys AI generated art to promote ocean health and sustainability via an ‘immersive experience’.
Levin took a different approach with "White Hot Coral," an AI-assisted piece inspired by Picasso's Guernica. Guernica depicts the horrors of war and the suffering of innocents. Levin used AI to extend Picasso's vision, creating "White Hot Coral," (the innocents) which illustrates the devastation of dying coral reefs. The piece serves as a powerful metaphor of the ‘underwater war’ waged on sea life due to climate change, and the “out of sight, out of mind” unseen epidemic of microplastic ocean pollution on marine life, looming threats to the human food chain and general ocean health.
The Future of AI and Art: A Collaboration, Not a Collision
Levin and Masters argue that the future of art lies in collaboration, not collision, between human creativity and technological innovation. AI offers artists a powerful new tool to expand their creative horizons, push boundaries, and create truly innovative and meaningful art.
Join the Discussion at the IDEAZ Fair
Levin and Masters invite you to join them at the IDEAZ Fair on April 20th, 2024, to explore the exciting world of AI-assisted art. They will present a dynamic discussion, delve into case studies, and invite the audience to participate in a lively conversation about the role of AI in the future of art.
Don't miss this opportunity to engage with visionary artists who embrace technology as a catalyst for positive change and creative expression. We hope to see you there!