When you think of art, what comes to mind? Paintings? Drawings? Sculptures? Maybe even photography? But what about art made by artificial intelligence (AI)? AI art is a relatively new genre that is growing in popularity. Some people love it, while others find it disturbing. But one thing is for sure: AI art is here to stay. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at AI art and explore its potential future.
Artificial intelligence artwork is some of the coolest, weirdest art out there. Historical artists would have their minds absolutely blown to look at some of the computer generated art that is coming out of computer science and machine learning nowadays.
What is AI art and how is it made?
AI art is a type of art that is made with the help of artificial intelligence. There are various ways to create AI art, but generally, AI art uses algorithms to generate images or videos. The type of algorithm and the inputs that it takes in strongly influence the resulting images.
AI generated art and the art industry are vastly diverse, but they all tend to share one thing: machine learning. Machine learning is the easy way for us to say, "an algorithm that leans from the inputs that we give it to improve its final output."
Neural filters for AI art
For example, one common use of AI art is to Neural Filters, like what Adobe Photoshop CC has recently introduced. These algorithms apply sets of rules and then check themselves against a standard to improve the result briefly. Because this type of AI works with existing images, quality and size of the input image directly influences the output image quality and size.
GAN images for novel image generation
GANs, or generative adversarial networks, are a set of algorithms used to produce new images. This can be done by training a computer on a dataset of images, and then using the resulting model to generate new images. A GAN model pits two algorithms against each other in order to produce more realistic results.
GANs are the most popular for image generation, and you can provide visual, written, or any other number of inputs, as long as the algorithm is equipped to understand. Ultimately, AI art is an exciting and ever-evolving field that is opening up new possibilities for artists and audiences alike.
The benefits of AI art
Many people scoff at the idea of artificial intelligence (AI) creating art, but there are actually several benefits to using AI in the creative process. First of all, AI can help to identify patterns and trends that the human eye might miss. For example, a data set of thousands of images can be scanned in a matter of seconds, and patterns that emerge can be used to generate new ideas.
Additionally, AI can help to create art that is more realistic or expressive than what is possible with traditional methods. For instance, an artist might use AI to create a painting that is inspired by a photograph, but with a more ethereal quality. Finally, AI can also be used as a tool for collaboration, allowing artists to work together on a piece even when they're apart.
AI is simply a tool though. And, we shouldn't be using AI to scale visual arts - it's just not a good use of the technology. I see AI as a new fun way to express creativity, not something that will replace the traditional arts.
How will AI art change the future of creativity and the arts industry?
The world of art is constantly evolving, and the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has opened up new possibilities for creativity and expression. While some may see AI as a threat to the arts industry, others believe that it has the potential to enhance and augment human creativity.
As artificial intelligence technology continues to develop, it is likely that we will see more and more AI-created artworks appearing in galleries and exhibitions. Some believe that AI art will eventually come to be appreciated in its own right, with its own unique aesthetic qualities. Whether or not this comes to pass, it is clear that AI is set to change the future of the arts in ways that we cannot yet imagine.
But art is an additive, not a replacement field. I have all sorts of art in my home: landscape oil paintings, pop-art, and everything in between. Including artificial intelligence art in my personal collection isn't going to replace these paintings and artworks. It's just going to complement them.
Artificial intelligence is also an advance in accessibility
Many folks end up with disabilities that they were either born with or acquired later in life. People lose the ability to have fine motor skills. Wouldn't it be great for artificial intelligence tools to advance far enough where new segments of humanity could produce their own art? Machine learning is a blessing for folks with physical or other disabilities.
Algorithmic art is way more accessible than oil paintings. An AI artist will never replace human artists, but I think that conceptual art, created by AI, and driven by human thinking, will usher a whole new world of creative thinking in AI paintings into existence.
Some famous examples of AI art
Over the past few years, AI has begun to transform the world of art. Today, there are artificial intelligence-created paintings hanging in major museums, and AI-composed music playing on the radio.
One of the most famous examples of art made with artificial intelligence is the painting Portrait of Edmond de Belamy. The painting was created by an algorithm, using a data set of 15,000 portraits from the 14th to 20th centuries. The algorithm was able to learn about portraiture by analyzing these historical images. The resulting painting is a colorful and abstract portrait that shows how AI can create something entirely new and unexpected.
There are entire AI generated artwork galleries out there; and with the growth of NFTs, art generated by AI is going to continue to grow exponentially. AI artists are really operating at the interface of computers and art. Computational creativity a new and exciting field - and I love every second of it.
The potential risks associated with AI Artworks
There is no denying that AI art has the potential to change the art world as we know it. However, there are also some potential risks associated with this new technology. One of the biggest concerns is that AI art could lead to mass production of artworks, which could devalue the unique handmade pieces that are so highly prized by collectors.
Additionally, there is a risk that AI art could be used to create fake or fraudulent works of art. "Deep fakes" are in the news and dangerous as ever. As AI technology continues to develop, it will be important to monitor these risks and ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place.
How will AI artworks impact art history?
The impact of AI artworks on art history is still unknown. For example, will these new artworks be collected by museums and galleries? Will they be bought and sold by private collectors? Or will they simply exist online, shared and appreciated by a global community of internet users?
While it's impossible to predict the future, it's clear that AI-assisted human art has the potential to shake up the traditional art world. In the past, artists have always been limited by their own abilities and imagination. But with AI, there are no such limitations. As a result, we may see a new wave of creativity and experimentation in the world of art. Only time will tell how AI artworks will impact art history. But one thing is for sure: AI will leave a lasting impact on the visual art world.
I'm proud to call myself an artist who works with AI generated art. AI artists like me are innovating EVERY day to produce art and AI paintings. It's SO EASY to get started, and I'm excited to share some of my favorite tools to create art with you soon.