I want to have a little chat about AI. You’ve probably heard far too much already, I know, I know, but do listen to me. This ‘technological advancement‘ has really stolen the spotlight in recent years. This ‘innovation’ that won’t stop evolving. This ‘machine’ of infinite potential. I am sure that now, it has come to the attention of many of an increasingly common practice of AI that has taken the world by storm. Art.
I’m certain you’ve heard the term: AI art, or rather, a more fitting name: AI slop, before. Let me tell you, the amount of generated content I see online that is labelled art is too much, and it disgusts me. So I wanna have a little chat about it.
I acknowledge that Artificial Intelligence is not inherently a bad thing. There are numerous possibilities for such an advancement in technology that can and will drastically affect humanity for the better. I have heard many stories about the expanse of human knowledge and digital capability with the aid of AI. I just simply cannot stand the fact that we have been granted this incredible invention, and yet people use it for the most stupid reasons. I hate that this practice has become the main face of AI. I hate that AI must be marketed in this way. I hate that such a potential is being wasted for absolutely nothing.
I have a couple of examples. I’ve chosen some pieces from a famous artist. I assume you’ve heard of Bob Ross before. He has made many beautiful paintings in his famous series: The Joy of Painting. I thought I’d show you my two favourites.
Walk in the Woods
Mountain Retreat
Absolutely incredible work, I must say, and I believe you would agree. Now, I want to show you another. This time, from Google Gemini.
Slop
I have no words. Just kidding. I do.
As you can see, there is an immediate difference. It clearly takes many aspects from the Mountain Retreat piece. With a simple glance, you can tell that this is the work of a computer. As well as this, a little thing that really annoyed me– it copied his signature. Right there in the corner: Bob Ross. I genuinely cannot believe that we are sharing this planet with people that think this is acceptable.
I am well aware that many people are going to argue with me. “Oh, but the AI painting looks just as good as the real ones!” Well, that may be true. Because a matter of looks is just a matter of opinion. I am not here to argue with what looks better, because in reality, that is not what art is about. Art evokes emotion through creation, and how it relates to the person experiencing it. And if I do say so myself, if you still think that Artificial Intelligence can make real art, you don’t know what art is.
The message I am attempting to convey is that AI is more than capable of generating pictures and noise; that is a fact. However, it will never create real art or real music. AI art does not exist and should never be considered real art.
William Gray – Year 9
