When photography was first invented in the 19th century, there was outcry among artists and intellectuals that it would be the death of painting. It would take decades for this tool of art to find its place, eventually becoming a celebrated and difficult medium to master. As we near the first quarter of the 21st century, artists now find themselves in a similar dilemma with the deluge of A.I. art generators. It is a fascinating tool, but one that comes with the unique price of algorithmic learning; it draws inspiration from the boundless knowledge of the internet, essentially the database of mankind, but at what point does inspiration turn into plagiarism?
As artists, it is our responsibility to remember that this wonderous tool is not to be used as a be-all-end-all. I am an advocate and supporter of A.I. and its development, but we cannot be short sighted on the impact and variables we have yet to consider. One cannot simply "generate" a piece and sign their name upon it and call it their own without acknowledging its origins. It is no different from shopping for stock photography and egregiously calling it your own. As artists, we must recognize the application of A.I. in art for what it is: an amazing tool we can humanize with our own creativity.
Yet, a tool is only as noble as its user.
I am an advocate and champion for the relatively new concept of "ethical A.I.," which ensures that artists whose work is used in machine learning are paid and recognized for their efforts (and their art, whatever medium it might be, was willingly contributed). There is little reason to believe that this tool will replace humans; stock music has not prevented the hiring of composers, nor has readily available stock photography halted the work of photographers. However, "ethical A.I." can only flourish and provide for both user and contributor if it is recognized and readily accepted. Treating it as "regular" A.I., which has plagiaristic undertones, is a mistake.
The art community must realize that A.I. is not going anywhere. It cannot be stopped. Where it goes and how, however, can and must be dictated.
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