1. “Art? Who has time to talk seriously about art when we’re busy keeping up with new things?”
With all the technological changes and economic issues today, not many people talk seriously about art. We have so many other things to think about and deal with. But how about we take a moment to think about what art will be like in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Given how valuable art is, it wouldn’t be a waste of time.
2. The Meeting of Technology and Art
Art has generally been created (expressed) using specific tools. It’s true that as technology advances and new tools emerge, it inevitably influences artistic expression. In reality, AI technology is not the first to directly impact art. For instance, what happened when photography first appeared in the early 19th century? Many artists and critics believed this new technology posed a serious threat to traditional art forms, especially painting. However, the invention of photography did not bring about the end of art; rather, it led to deep reflection and change regarding the nature and purpose of art. Concerns that realistic portraits and figure paintings would be replaced by photography actually opened up ‘new possibilities’ for art. After the invention of the camera, artists began to seek new ways of expression, moving away from replicating reality as photographs did. This shift gave rise to various art movements such as Impressionism, Expressionism, and Abstract Art. From this point on, artists started to explore subjective experiences, emotions, and abstract concepts that photography could not capture.
So what about now, in the 21st century? Some data points to the risks facing many creative professions, including artists, in the AI era. Now, we live in an era where we can quickly create what we think or want (art, music, etc., the scope of which will expand further in the future) through AI-generated technology with just a few prompts. It is said that we have become a world where we can create (or generate) anything, including not only images but also novels, scenarios, music, and videos. How should we accept this? How should we accept artistic creations that materialize or at least partially use one’s own ideas (or imagination) using a tool called AI?
The problem is that the tools used in artistic activities until now were not only a means of expression for artists but also a professional domain that required a certain level of skill. In fact, until the 17th century, art meant any skill or mastery and was not distinct from craft or science. Of course, the special status of ‘artist’ could be secured because a series of training courses were needed to learn these skills. Some may ask, “But anyone can write a novel, isn’t it?” However, I believe that novelists also has been gone through a series of self-training processes, practicing reading and writing numerous novels and gaining perspectives on various social realities. It ccan be say as a sort of personal refinement process I think. Among the arts that require the most difficult technical training, there might be areas such as music and sculpture.
But what about art using ‘AI generate’ technology? We already know that even 10-year-old children can produce the music they want at a high level with just a few prompts.It is true that the barriers to using the tools needed to create art have been lowered, so it seems like the obstacles to creating artwork have almost disappeared, at least if you have the “will” to create.
3. Sharing awareness of the problem
Yes, that’s right. We now live in an era where it is possible to create art without the training required to create it and without having the specific tools traditionally required. However, I am not sure how many ordinary people or artists are speaking specifically about this issue or sense of crisis (I don’t know if it is crisis or not even). Maybe people think they should accept change. Or, the world is changing so quickly and due to it even difficult to accept technology, it seems there is even no time to think about such things like this. Some fast-moving artists have already appeared using AI generate to try new things. However, to me, AI-generated art raises more fundamental questions about art rather than an emerging art genre. And it would be more accurate to say that it actually causes confusion as another question to my own question.
- Is it legitimate for artworks (visual arts, music, videos, etc.) created without special technical practice to hold the status of unique creative works of art? But isn’t it true that paintings created by children or monkeys have been called and sold as art before? So, what’s the problem?
- Can we call the outcomes created using AI-generated tools, which combine existing data, genuine “creative works”? Isn’t it just a combination of data? But can’t the idea of creating such outcomes be seen as a unique “creative process”?
I am curious about how other artists or people with a passion for art view this confusion I feel. I want to say that this is the ultimate reason why I am writing and sharing this. I wonder if there is already an implicit social consensus in the art world that I am unaware of, if I am being too stingy in accepting technology, or if there is someone who views this issue more seriously than I do.
4. Let’s Think About ‘the Essence of Art’ Again
When we become aware of an issue, we often lose sight of the essence. So, I think we need to start by asking what the essence of art is. What exactly is art, and what should it be?
Art has existed since ancient times as a fundamental form of ‘expression’ for humanity. Humans have attributed magical meanings to paintings and used them as tools for storytelling. In modern times, it has come to be used as a means of self-expression. Today, as we live our lives, we encounter artists’ expressions, and we find ourselves empathizing, feeling, and being stimulated by something new, filling the empty spaces of our souls. Is it just me? However, I want to think about this simply, away from something complex and theoretical.
If we narrow it down to ‘visual art,’ I personally believe that the greatest strength and essence of art lies in the ‘uniqueness of its story.’ Of course, some may argue that there is nothing new in the world anymore. However, I believe that true art must contain the artist’s personal story. The artist’s story can be found not only in the theme of the work but also in small brushstrokes or touches. (These brushstrokes and touches can also be present in digital art.) Of course, there are various other opinions, and even art theories, but this is not a thesis, so I simply want to share my thoughts here. In short, I believe that through the process of empathizing, feeling, and being stimulated by the story and expression within a work, we experience a fulfillment of the soul. This process is the essence of ‘art appreciation.’ To put it more simply, I think art is a meaningful act that can leave something in people’s hearts, beyond just visual pleasure. (The act itself, imbued with meaning, could also be considered art.)
Let’s look at the characteristics of AI-generated tools. As the name suggests, AI generation is an artificial intelligence generative tool. This means that if there isn’t a lot of data accumulated, there are limits to data generation itself. I’ve heard that a lot of data is still being collected online without permission. While the vast amount of data might allow the AI to produce results that closely match the keywords users want, these results might still lack the ‘uniqueness’ that I believe is essential for art.
But what happens if artist add their own brushstrokes and touches to an image generated by AI? This is where the confusion begins. From a commercial and efficiency perspective, using AI can be a groundbreaking method to save time and create results that might exceed what you initially imagined.I have thought a lot about this aspect, and it has suddenly led me to reconsider the essence of art.
5. Ideal Art for Me is
This summer of 2024, I visited the Toronto Art Fair a few times. I wanted to interact directly with artists and hear their thoughts, representing my non-profit organization, Artistry Community, which was established to support local artists in Canada. I asked the artists how they sustain themselves as full-time creators, how they sell their artwork, and about their exhibition experiences. Most of the artists had side jobs, and even full-time artists mentioned that financial aspects were the most challenging.
I am wondering that did you get a chance to think about why artists don’t choose a more financially efficient lifestyle? Even artists who earn substantial amounts of money, probably initially they chose art over just ‘money as far as I know.’ I believe you might already have some sense that artists are inherently distant from efficiency. But if you were asked why they made such a choice, what would you say? Yes, that’s right. Artists do it because they have no other choice. They do it because it’s the most enjoyable, true to themselves it is, and something they cannot live without it. From the beginning, efficiency or financial aspects were not the primary considerations. I believe the process of creating their work is similar. I don’t think most artists prioritize efficiency when creating their work. And I believe we should recognize this aspect the most.
As you may know, I cannot immediately draw conclusions about AI generate art from this article. This is because AI technology just has ‘begun’ to have a direct impact on our lives. I think it is impossible to accurately predict where it will go. Ultimately, the choice is up to the artists.Before discussing the ‘Crisis of art facing’ due to the AI generate technology, I hope that we will be able to place a greater value on the artist’s hard work and the time of perseverance that is like a battle with himself. Also, in a world where what is easy, fast, and efficient wins, I hope that art does not have to conform to that.
