Given the choice between spending 24 hours painting or generating a painting with a type away in just a minute, most ( including myself ) would naturally go for the quick option. After all, who doesn't love a shortcut?
But here’s the thing : everything that is easy comes with a price, and in this case is your skill and transformation deteriorating. As an artist myself, I believe that this technology flips the creative game in a negative way. Which is why I wrote this article, to open the eyes of individuals, getting them to realise that AI art is not just a setback but a genuine threat to humanity.
image generated by AI
How is AI art created?
Just to simplify, this surprising technology learns by analysing millions or even billions of pictures made by humans. It has also created a ‘mind’ on its own resulting in art that is not like what anyone has seen or even thought of. Many individuals are blown away by the speed, uniqueness and cheap price, however this is proof that creativity has become flawed. The process of creating AI art not only has shifted creativity but is also inherently harmful. It faces challenges such as copyright laws and criticisms for 'copying' the unique styles of human artists worldwide.
Is art getting devalued ?
Art depends on creativity which is defined as ‘the use of imagination or original ideas’. It is defined this way with the purpose of holding such stories, opinions, feelings reliant on the human mind. So the real question, ‘Is AI-generated art killing our stretching human creativity?’
With that in mind, it is clear that art becomes an easy thing to do. So of course people would appreciate it less. With softwares like Midjourney, Dall-E it is just a type away where everyone is now capable of producing their own ‘art’ even if you cannot even draw a dog. Creativity has then transformed into a novel based, which truthfully just flattens art rather than holding meaning, expressing ideas and finding the truth.
“AI can’t handle concepts: collapsing moments in time, memory, thoughts, emotions – all of that is a real human skill”
Quoted by Anna Ridler, an artist who has not felt any spark from AI-generated art, it proves why human capabilities will triumph over machines, especially when we are the ones who created them.
What does it mean for artists?
People are cheap and lazy. Meaning that most of us prioritise convenience over quality. The problem with this : we risk the expertise and development of human creators when softwares becomes their first option to generate art. However, not only does it undermine the transformation of artists, it also robs them from the opportunity to share their voices and explore their identity. Just think about it, actual growth and development comes from the process of creation, not just the end product.
Furthermore, this shift towards a technology reliant creation strips away the platform for artists to rely on it to make a living. With human artists replaced by softwares, opportunities to sell their work decreases tremendously, resulting in many top-tier artists struggling to keep afloat.
How about the rest of society?
Many of you, as non-artists, may be thinking, "Why should I care? It allows me to spend less." However, I want you to realise that art permeates every aspect of life we experience. Whether it's the stunning architecture that holds cultural meaning or the intricate design of characters in movies/games that amplify human happiness, art plays a crucial role. The oversaturation of generic styles is what will flood online platforms, resulting in a decrease in anticipation as there is nothing new.
So in your opinion, is AI-generated art a DOOMSDAY or a BLESSING to society?