If you had told someone, a few years ago, that artificial intelligence (or AI) could create a complete work of art, they would have laughed – and rightly so. However, we have now reached an age where even this has become a reality.
Art has been influenced and changed by technology. Now this change is becoming more and more obvious. For some, this development seems terrifying; this is perfectly reasonable. Many believe that this technology came to replace the contact of humans with their creation, but this is far from true. The human hand and human vision are imperative even in the case of artificial intelligence.
To make this point clearer, let’s take a look at how artificial intelligence works; how a computer – primarily – can create these works of art in such detail. It sounds simple, but it’s actually quite complicated. Let’s go through it step by step: there are some websites where there is an empty cell which you have to fill in; you are basically given a task: to write what you want it to draw for you. So, as I told you, the person’s contact with the creation is not interrupted, as – with the current data – the AI cannot act of its own accord. Later, with complex algorithms and mathematical operations, the artificial intelligence collects the information you will give it and begins to slowly “paint” your work. Behold, you have become a painter yourself!
The problems that can arise from this technology are not many. This is because this particular art creation is more abstract, trained by the works of other artists. Thus, in no way does it seem to be able – for now at least – to replace graphic design or fine arts in general. AI in art is something else, perhaps a new style.
Of course, artificial intelligence has come and is in its heyday since it is used more and more every day. Could it, then, lead to the end of art? Definitely no. And this because artificial intelligence is nothing but a series of complex algorithms and mathematical “puzzles”. These algorithms and mathematical puzzles cannot fathom the complexity of human existence, express what humans do, in the way we express it, empathize or create something with their non-existent soul.
AI may be a tool for many, but it is nothing more than a fad. However, the fact that technology has evolved to such levels that it could affect art in such a drastic way, is truly impressive. And this is still the beginning. It is, at least, worth wondering what might happen next, if at this moment – when AI is in its baby steps and not so advanced yet – the results are such.
Artificial intelligence is nothing but the creation of a new era, which is making its appearance at this moment in time. Like all artistic movements, which come, cause changes and then remain in history, this is also the case with this technology: it causes questions, philosophical and non-philosophical ones; it is part of the process; it is the beginning of a new story.
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Author: Alexandros Katakalos
