Exploring the Intricacies of AI-Generated Art
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Chapter 1: Introduction to AI Art
I recently embarked on a journey to create art using an AI art generator. As my girlfriend humorously pointed out, "cheap takes more, free takes all," and since the platform I chose was free, I decided to give it a try.
The concept of AI-generated art is currently generating buzz among art enthusiasts and critics alike. But what does it truly entail? Simply put, AI art is produced by a computer program, typically leveraging algorithms. Various techniques exist for generating such art, including procedural ‘rule-based’ synthesis, algorithms that mimic traditional painting techniques, and advanced methods like generative models and deep learning.
I must admit, much of this terminology is somewhat perplexing.
Let's explore my experiences with generating "art" through AI and my somewhat conflicting thoughts on the practice.
Chapter 2: My Experience with AI Art
Curiosity was my starting point. I found myself questioning the hype surrounding AI art, especially since I wasn't particularly fond of most outcomes I'd seen. However, I didn't want my personal preferences to cloud my understanding of this innovative method. After some research, I stumbled upon a free AI art generator that allowed me to create art by inputting either text or images.
Here are some of the pieces I generated:
What Are My Thoughts on AI Art?
To begin with, I believe that not all AI-generated art holds the same value. Consider the work of Refik Anadol, for example. The National Gallery of Victoria described his 2020 piece, "Quantum Memories," as follows:
Refik Anadol’s Quantum Memories, 2020, utilizes a dataset of over 200 million nature-related images sourced from the internet. This data is processed using quantum computing software developed by Google’s AI Quantum research team, along with a supercomputer programmed with machine-learning algorithms. The result is a real-time video that serves as an alternate dimension of nature and a bold reimagining of our digitized memories of the natural world. Anadol's stunning visuals and audio are crafted in collaboration with a generative algorithm enabled by AI and quantum computing—a groundbreaking technology that leverages the unique physics of the subatomic realm—transforming everyday visual data into an artwork that captures our collective memory of nature. Through this work, the artist invites us to envision the potential of this experimental technology and the vast possibilities it offers for the future of art and design.
While I can appreciate the aesthetic merits of various AI-generated artworks, I am left pondering the role of the artist. Specifically, in the context of my experiences, I find myself questioning: who truly is the artist here?
I often find parallels with other art fields, such as the work of Jeff Koons. Though I don't harbor any animosity towards him, I understand many critiques of his work. While I recognize Koons as an artist, I am also aware that he does not create in isolation. The idea behind his pieces may be conceived by him or collaboratively, yet the actual execution is often left to others. The issue arises when these works are presented to the public, bearing only Koons's name.
The scenario is not entirely analogous to AI-generated art, but it illustrates my contemplation.
Am I the creator of these artworks, or is it the machine?
For further reading on art:
- 35 stories about Art History and more curated by Jess the Avocado — Medium
To support my writing and view more AI-generated art:
- Buy Squeeze the Avocado a Coffee at ko-fi.com/squeezetheavocado
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- Art Avo | Jessica Nunzella | Substack
Chapter 3: Videos on AI Art
In this video titled "Can EVERYONE make GOOD Ai Art? I tried it & THIS is what IT made," the creator shares their journey and outcomes of using an AI art generator.
The second video, "I Tried Selling AI Art For 30 Days (Realistic Results)," discusses the creator's experiences and the financial realities of selling AI-generated art.