Can AI Create True Art? A Photographer’s Perspective on the Future of Art

Introduction

This isn't the video that I planned to make, but it's the one that wanted to come out. It feels a bit like pottery; sometimes I have a specific item in mind, and other times, I start with a lump of clay on the wheel, and as I begin to form it, I like to think the clay decides what it wants to be. That's what happened with this discussion. Initially, I intended to talk about how to identify fake and real images on social media. Maybe I'll cover that in the future, but for now, this is what wants to come out.

Unless you've been asleep for the last year, I'm sure you've seen some amazing images on social media, only to discover that they were created by AI. Often, these are wildlife photos or artistic illustrations. The incredible capabilities of new AI technologies have amazed me, and I've even utilized AI-generated images for my video thumbnails. However, I also find it concerning. The image being used here behind me was created by DALL-E, the graphic engine linked to ChatGPT. I simply instructed it to generate a nighttime scene of a New York street corner in the style of Van Gogh. This raises a question: is this art?

It's not as simple a question as it might seem. As a photographer, I've been actively involved in photography since I was about 12 when I discovered an old darkroom kit in our attic. I set up my own darkroom, developed photos, and printed them in my bathroom. By my late teens, I received a partial college scholarship for photography. My dream was to be a photographer for National Geographic—who wouldn’t want that adventure? Looking back, if I could relive those years, I would have pursued my passion for photography more intensely, rather than letting my father convince me it wouldn't be profitable.

As you reflect on your life, do you focus on what was profitable or what brought you joy? If you're like me, joy was far more crucial. Ultimately, I spent many years in IT. I made some money, but I was often quite miserable. Now, I'm once again uncertain about the future of my photography and interests.

I faced a similar uncertainty when digital photography began to overtake film. Initially, I hesitated to engage with digital photography until I realized I could achieve and surpass the quality of film. I fully embraced digital photography, which opened me up to the world of digital manipulation.

Let me explain. All photography is a representation of real life. Imagine capturing a beautiful sunset; you're surrounded by color and emotion. But does a photograph ever fully convey that sensory experience? Frequently, you may find that the images you take do not encapsulate the emotions or story of that moment, which is where my interest in digital art took off. Using tools like Photoshop and experimenting with editing allowed me to express the emotions behind the scenes more effectively.

Having worked extensively with Photoshop, I am very familiar with digital art. I've dabbled in painting and pottery and ran my own pottery studio for years. Furthermore, I am honored to be represented by Artlifting, which champions artists impacted by disabilities and housing insecurity.

My artist statement reads: "In her photography, Alicia's goal is to record a feeling rather than focusing on a single moment. She hopes to take the images she captures and edit and enhance their qualities to exude a certain emotion. Often, a daytime image becomes night, or elements are added or removed until she feels she has expressed the feeling successfully."

However, altering photographic images is nothing new; even renowned photographers like Ansel Adams manipulated images in the darkroom. Resistance to new technologies is common—Vincent van Gogh once referred to photography as a threat to true art, stating, "I always think photographs abominable and I don’t like to have them around."

As technology evolves, we have new ways to create images. Just as neither photography nor digital photography disappeared, AI is here to stay, and it will undoubtedly impact our perception of art. Does this mean AI can create art? If so, who is the “artist”? Is it the human who uses the AI tool or the AI itself?

AI art has faced criticism due to its reliance on vast databases of images. A legal case a year and a half ago—the result of Getty Images suing a major AI graphic tool—exemplified the tension in this space. The generated images were found to include snippets of Getty's watermark, raising ethical questions about ownership and compensation for artists whose work was used to train AI.

Similar to how humans develop artistic skills by studying the works of others, AI is trained on existing images. But now, a movement has begun among photographers and artists against companies like Adobe, which recently launched a generative AI tool trained on extensive databases without compensating the original artists. When does the work of an artist who incorporates AI elements cease to be considered art?

My son is a graphic designer and artist; we've had numerous conversations regarding the future of art in the age of AI. He takes a pragmatic view, exploring ways to incorporate AI into his work, knowing that resisting technology might endanger his career.

So, what does the future hold for graphic designers and artists, particularly for digital artists like myself? When does art cease to be art?

Now it’s your turn. Share your thoughts in the comments below and discuss this topic with your friends. Don't forget to check out the next video if you're on YouTube!

Keywords

• AI
• Art
• Photography
• Digital Manipulation
• Ansel Adams
• Vincent van Gogh
• Artistic Expression
• Technology
• Generative AI
• Ownership

FAQ

Can AI create true art?

AI can generate images and artistic representations, but the debate continues regarding whether those works can be classified as "true art."

Who is the artist in AI-generated art?

This is a matter of debate; some argue that the human who guides the AI is the artist, while others believe that the AI itself could hold that title.

How has technology changed traditional photography?

Technology has introduced digital photography and manipulation, leading photographers to adapt or alter their techniques for expression.

Why are some artists resistant to AI?

Many artists fear that AI could undermine traditional art forms, reduce job opportunities, and challenge the authenticity of human creativity.

What should artists and designers do in the age of AI?

Artists and designers should consider how to integrate AI into their work pragmatically while staying aware of the ethical implications and potential impact on their careers.