September 14th, 2024

Don't ask if AI can make art – ask how AI can be art

The discussion on AI and art is evolving towards interactive experiences, emphasizing collaboration and unique expressions, while addressing concerns about quality, authorship, and responsible management of AI systems.

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Don't ask if AI can make art – ask how AI can be art

The discussion surrounding AI and art has shifted from whether AI can create art to how it can be integrated into the artistic process. While generative AI tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E have sparked concerns among artists about job security and the quality of creative output, they have also fostered a new form of interactive art that emphasizes collaboration between humans and machines. This interaction can lead to unique and engaging experiences, as seen in projects like AI Dungeon and various AI-driven games. Critics argue that much of the AI-generated content lacks depth and intention, often resulting in generic outputs. However, some AI projects that incorporate interactivity and user engagement are redefining the boundaries of art. The potential for AI to serve as a tool for creative exploration rather than mere content generation is significant, though it comes with challenges, including the risk of unintended consequences and the need for careful management of AI systems. As the conversation evolves, it becomes clear that the future of AI in art may lie in its ability to enhance human creativity rather than replace it.

- The debate on AI and art is shifting towards interactive experiences rather than just generative outputs.

- AI tools can foster collaboration and unique artistic expressions, despite concerns about quality.

- Critics highlight the blandness of much AI-generated content, but interactive projects show potential for deeper engagement.

- The integration of AI in art raises questions about authorship, creativity, and the role of the artist.

- Managing AI systems responsibly is crucial to avoid unintended consequences in creative processes.

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By @Fricken - 4 months
Those questions aren't interesting. Anything someone decides to regard as art is art. Can it be good art? As a tool AI can be used by a good artist to make good art.

If one merely needed to press a button on a machine to make good art, then it seems such a machine would quickly obsolete itself. Heck, with generative images we're already there. People see an AI generated image and they go "Oh, it's just more of that AI stuff."

I think it's fair it's fair to claim that by definition, if AI can make it all by itself, then it's not good art, because if AI can make it all by itself, then it's already in the "been there, done that" pile. As a tool however, a good artist can use AI to make good art.

By @peterldowns - 4 months
No mention of Holly Herndon or Mat Dryhurst at all? Whoever wrote this completely failed to do their research — more than anyone else I'm aware of, they've been working to explore the possibilities of how working with AI can be considered Art.

Some assorted reading:

- https://x.com/matdryhurst/status/1830554355025477940

- https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/11/20/holly-herndons...

- https://www.anothermag.com/art-photography/15858/art-in-the-...

EDIT: didn't mention Archillect either. Extremely low value article.

EDIT2: finished reading, and no mention at all about Section 230 protections despite discussing "tech platforms", and a single reference to "fair use" being referenced in a callout box. Whoever wrote this should be embarassed by how little they say with so many words.

By @PaulHoule - 4 months
For one thing a technology that puts immersive worlds into the hands of ordinary people could make immersive worlds much more interesting.
By @meroes - 4 months
Before LLM's and the contemporary advances, my good friend argued "AI" could never be funny, because humor requires subversion. Now I think AI humor is both here and art. I'm not an AI evangelist by any means, but the "Nothing, Forever" Seinfeld parodies (before they were de-likened) were the funniest video media at the time.