ART

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated art has sparked intense debate about what constitutes "real" art in the ever-changing field of contemporary art. The standard understanding of art is a form of expression that conveys feelings, concepts, or a viewpoint and frequently elicits an aesthetic reaction. In his 1897 book "What is Art?", philosopher Leo Tolstoy proposed that art serves as a medium for the artist's emotions and ideals to be communicated to the viewer. which states that the artist must have some purpose and emotional engagement. AI-generated art, on the other hand, contradicts this idea since AI is devoid of mind, feelings, and the subjective experience required to produce art in the conventional sense.

Can something created without human intention or emotion still be considered art?

Traditionally, the artist is seen as the creator, someone who infuses their work with personal experience, emotions, and meaning but In the case of AI-generated art, the "artist" becomes the programmer or maybe the user who sets the parameters for the AI's output. The human role shifts from that of a creator to that of a curator or guide, shaping the process rather than the final product.

This shift raises questions about authorship. Who is the real author of the art produced by an AI algorithm ? Is it the user who entered the data, the programmer who created the algorithm, or the AI acting independently? This ambiguity casts doubt on the conventional definition of what it means to be an artist and complicates the idea of artistic authorship.

The Evolution of Art

Art has always evolved alongside technological advancements. The invention of the camera, instance, the development of the camera challenged the idea that paintings had to be realistic and introduced new modes of representation, completely changing the field of visual art. Similarly, AI-generated art can be seen as a continuation of this evolution, expanding the boundaries of what is possible in art.

Some argue that art produced by artificial intelligence (AI) is a new way for people and machines to work together. AI might be seen as a tool to expand creative possibilities rather than as a means of displacing artists. In this way, artificial intelligence (AI)-generated art offers fresh perspectives on aesthetics, meaning, and the human condition—rather than diverging from traditional art.

Viewer Perception

The viewer's perspective is a crucial factor in deciding whether artificial intelligence (AI)-generated art qualifies as "real" art. Does it matter that an AI-generated piece of art was made by a computer if it still provokes thought or an emotional reaction in the same way that a human-crafted piece does? Some would argue that regardless of where it came from, the value of art is in its capacity to speak to and connect with a viewer.

On the other hand, others could argue that if someone knows a piece was done by an AI, it will have less of an impact because it doesn't have the "soul" or human touch that many people connect with art created by humans. This calls into question the significance of authorship and context for appreciating art. If the aesthetic experience is the primary measure of art's value, then AI-generated art may indeed count as "real" art.

Conclusion

It's complicated to say whether artificial intelligence (AI) is capable of creating “real” art. It challenges accepted ideas about what makes art, the role of the artist, and the importance of authorship. As technology advances, the boundaries of art will likely continue to expand, challenging us to reconsider our assumptions and welcoming new directions in creative expression.

In conclusion, AI-generated art can be acknowledged as a legitimate form of artistic expression even though it contradicts our understanding of the creative process. It may lack the emotional depth and deliberateness that are usually associated with art, but it does provide new opportunities for artistic development and experimentation. Depending on how we define art, AI-generated art may or may not be regarded as "real" art.

-Ritu Sharma

BA (Hons) English, Bharati College, University of Delhi

Ritu Sharma is a third semester student pursuing BA Honours in English at Bharati College. She is a dedicated and passionate learner, committed to academic excellence and is eager to explore new ideas and develop more skills and knowledge.