News/The Arts
Authenticity and the evolving role of photographers in the AI era
AI's impact on photography: The rise of artificial intelligence in smartphone cameras is transforming the way we capture and perceive images, blurring the line between reality and digital enhancement. Apple, Google, and other tech giants are increasingly integrating AI-powered features into their smartphone cameras, automatically adjusting and enhancing photos. These AI enhancements have sparked debates about the nature of photography and the authenticity of images in the digital age. The Vergecast podcast recently explored this topic from multiple angles, featuring discussions with app developers and tech journalists. The evolution of smartphone photography: As smartphone cameras become more sophisticated, the process...
read Oct 8, 2024Adobe’s new web app will protect artists’ work — here’s how to sign up
Adobe's new tool for digital content authentication: Adobe has unveiled a web application called Adobe Content Authenticity, designed to empower creators with the ability to watermark their artwork and opt out of AI model training usage. The application enables artists to explicitly indicate their non-consent for the use of their work in AI model training. Creators can add "content credentials" to their work, including verified identity and social media handles, enhancing attribution and ownership. The tool is built on C2PA, an internet protocol that allows for secure labeling of content with origin information. Adobe Content Authenticity is designed to work...
read Oct 7, 2024New film explores the emotional complexities of artificial beings
AI-driven art explores robot emotions: Lawrence Lek, winner of the Frieze Artist award 2024, has created a thought-provoking film featuring an AI "carebot" therapist with its own emotional struggles. Lek's latest work, "Guanyin: Confessions of a Former Carebot," will be installed at the Frieze London fair, showcasing a gender-neutral AI character named after the Buddhist goddess of compassion. The film depicts the carebot moving through a desolate cityscape, revealing that insecurity is part of its programming and exploring the emotional complexities of artificial beings. Artist background and inspirations: Lek's diverse background and educational experiences have shaped his unique approach to...
read Oct 7, 2024Artist challenges copyright ruling on AI-generated prize winner
AI-generated art sparks copyright controversy: The denial of copyright registration for Jason Allen's AI-assisted artwork "Théâtre D'opéra Spatial" has ignited a debate about the intersection of artificial intelligence and copyright law. Jason Allen, an artist who won a state fair art competition with his AI-generat-ed piece, is appealing the US Copyright Office's decision to refuse copyright registration for his work. The Copyright Office justified its denial by claiming the artwork was predominantly generated by AI and lacked sufficient human authorship to qualify for copyright protection. Allen's appeal challenges this decision, arguing that the Copyright Office misunderstood the creative process involved...
read Sep 29, 2024An artist is suing the US Copyright Office to protect his AI-generated images
AI-generated art sparks copyright controversy: Jason Allen, a board game designer turned digital creator, is suing the U.S. Copyright Office over its refusal to grant copyright protection for his AI-generated image "Théâtre D'opéra Spatial." Allen spent over 100 hours crafting 624 prompts in Midjourney, an AI image generator, to create the award-winning image depicting a futuristic royal court with women in Victorian dresses and space helmets. The image won first prize in the Colorado State Fair's digitally manipulated photography category, sparking backlash from traditional artists who accused Allen of cheating. The U.S. Copyright Office denied Allen's copyright application, citing a...
read Sep 28, 2024UK art exhibition questions the role of AI in photography
Portrait of a Community: Bridging Past and Future Photography: The Higgins Bedford is hosting an art exhibition titled "Community Portraits" that showcases a diverse range of photographic techniques while prompting viewers to critically examine the role of artificial intelligence in image creation. Exhibition Overview: Community Portraits features images of ordinary Bedford residents captured through various photographic methods, from traditional to cutting-edge digital technologies. The exhibition runs until February 23rd at The Higgins Bedford. It includes portraits created using cyanotype and glass-plate techniques, as well as those taken with the latest digital cameras. Organizers selected 150 images from over 1,000 submissions...
read Sep 26, 2024London newspaper revives legendary art critic with AI
AI resurrection of renowned art critic: The Evening Standard, a historic London newspaper, is planning to revive the late Brian Sewell, one of Britain's most feared and revered art critics, using artificial intelligence. Sources indicate that AI Sewell has been assigned to review The National Gallery's new Vincent van Gogh exhibition, "Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers." The initiative was reportedly discussed at the highest levels of the Standard, including consultation with Lord Lebedev, the newspaper's proprietor. Dylan Jones, editor-in-chief of the Standard, did not respond to requests for comment on the matter. Newspaper's digital transformation: The AI revival of Sewell...
read Sep 25, 2024World’s First AI Art Museum to Open in LA
Pioneering AI art museum set to open in Los Angeles: Refik Anadol, a leading figure in AI-generated art, has announced plans for DATALAND, the world's first artificial intelligence museum dedicated to the arts. Scheduled to open in 2025, DATALAND will be housed in the Gehry-designed Grand LA complex in Downtown Los Angeles. The museum will join other prominent cultural institutions in the area, including the Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles, the Broad, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. DATALAND aims to showcase data visualization and algorithmic innovation, offering immersive experiences that utilize machine learning and cutting-edge sensory technologies. Museum...
read Sep 24, 2024Why AI Is Not the Enemy of the Art World
AI in the art world: A nuanced perspective: Despite widespread concerns, artificial intelligence (AI) is not inherently detrimental to the art world, but rather offers significant potential and power to artists and institutions alike. The anxiety surrounding AI in the art world, while real, may be disproportionate to its actual impact on artists' engagement with these emerging tools. Concerns about access to advanced AI technologies and their monetization by big tech companies overshadow the existing opportunities for artists to utilize and benefit from AI tools. Current accessibility of AI tools: Contrary to popular belief, artists already have access to consumer-level,...
read Sep 13, 2024For Better or Worse, AI Needs Artists
The evolving landscape of AI and art: The intersection of artificial intelligence and artistic creation has sparked intense debates about the nature of creativity, authorship, and the future of human-made art. Recent advancements in AI tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E have raised concerns among artists about potential job losses and the devaluation of creative processes. Despite fears of AI replacing human artists, many people are engaging with these tools for entertainment and experimentation rather than commercial purposes. The article argues that interactive AI systems offer a more compelling vision for AI-based art than static, generative outputs. Historical context and artistic...
read Sep 11, 2024AI-Generated Tribute to Czech Composer Dvořák’s Showcases in Washington
AI-Powered Tribute to Dvořák Debuts in Washington, DC: Refik Anadol's innovative "data painting" honoring Czech composer Antonín Dvořák has made its US premiere at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The artistic vision: Dvořák Dreams (2023) is a captivating blend of AI-generated imagery and sound, designed to celebrate the composer's life and legacy through cutting-edge technology. The installation features a 60-minute loop of curated, pre-recorded projections displayed on a 32ft square screen in the Kennedy Center's Reach Plaza. Viewers are treated to mesmerizing waves of color that dissolve and reform, interspersed with representational imagery related to Dvořák's life and...
read Sep 9, 2024Luxury Brands are Using AI and Computer Vision to Fight Counterfeits
The rise of AI in luxury brand authentication: Computer Vision (CV), a branch of artificial intelligence, is emerging as a powerful tool in the fight against counterfeit luxury goods, particularly in the booming sneaker and watch markets. The global luxury goods market is projected to reach $385 billion by 2025, according to Bain & Company, highlighting the critical need for advanced authentication methods. The sneaker resale market is expected to grow to $30 billion by 2030, as reported by Cowen Equity Research, making it a prime target for counterfeiters. The counterfeit shoe market has seen an astounding 1200% increase from...
read Sep 8, 2024How AI Art Could Improve The Job Market
The big picture: As digital technology continues to reshape various industries, the art world is experiencing a significant transformation, with AI-generated art challenging traditional notions of creativity and potentially reshaping the job market. Redefining art in the digital age: Jennifer Steckel Elliott of Lagom Collections proposes a broader definition of art that encompasses both traditional and digital creations, emphasizing imagination and skill as core components. Art is described as a form of expression that combines beauty, emotion, and often reflects our fascination with technology. Steckel Elliott argues that digital artists working with "ones and zeros" should be considered artists alongside...
read Sep 8, 2024AI Art Fight! Matteo Wong Challenges Ted Chiang’s Assertion That AI Can’t Make Art
AI art debate intensifies: The conversation around AI's role in art creation has gained new momentum with Matteo Wong's response to Ted Chiang's essay in The New Yorker. Wong's article in The Atlantic challenges Chiang's assertion that AI cannot make art, highlighting the ongoing discourse about the nature of creativity and the impact of technology on artistic expression. The debate touches on fundamental questions about the essence of art, the role of human effort in creation, and the potential of AI as a new artistic medium. Chiang's argument scrutinized: Wong identifies two key flaws in Chiang's reasoning about AI and...
read Sep 4, 2024AI Reshapes Creative Landscape, Sparking Debate on Human Expression
AI's impact on creativity: Generative AI's role in content creation has sparked debate about its implications for human creativity and artistic expression. Ted Chiang, in an essay for The New Yorker, argues that generative AI lacks true creativity and is instead lowering expectations for both content consumers and creators. The technology's ability to produce vast amounts of content quickly has raised concerns about its impact on the quality and originality of creative works. Many artists, writers, and other creatives have expressed objections to the use of generative AI in their fields, citing concerns about authenticity and the value of human-created...
read Aug 27, 2024MIT Researchers Are Developing AI Models for Dance Choreography
AI meets dance: A fusion of technology and human movement: MIT researchers are exploring how artificial intelligence can interact with and enhance traditional dance practices, leading to innovative projects that blend cultural heritage with cutting-edge technology. MIT's 'dance with AI' project, led by researchers like Pat Pataranutaporn, aims to develop "choreography intelligence" by deconstructing traditional dances from around the world into teachable events for AI systems. The project seeks to create new choreography through AI-human collaboration, potentially breathing new life into cultural traditions and creating new forms of cultural heritage. Researchers are working on developing AI models that can interpret...
read Aug 25, 2024AI Revives Faded Masterpieces Through Color Reconstruction
AI-driven art preservation breakthrough: A groundbreaking project called PERCEIVE aims to revolutionize art conservation by using artificial intelligence to reconstruct original colors in aging artworks. The European Union-backed initiative involves 12 major institutions, including museums and technology companies, collaborating over a three-year period. PERCEIVE's goal is to create an AI-powered toolkit that can be used by both experts and laypeople to study and digitally reconstruct the original colors of various art forms. The project focuses on five key groups of art: statues, paintings and works on paper, textiles, photographs, and augmented reality artworks. High-profile case study: The Scream: Edvard Munch's...
read Aug 25, 2024What’s Comes Next for the Artists Suing Midjourney and Stability AI
Legal milestone in AI copyright battle: A class action lawsuit filed by visual artists against AI image generation platforms Stability AI, Midjourney, Runway, and DeviantArt has progressed to the discovery stage, marking a significant development in the ongoing debate over AI and copyright infringement. The lawsuit, brought by ten prominent artists including Sarah Andersen, Kelly McKernan, and Karla Ortiz, alleges that these AI platforms engaged in copyright infringement during the training of their AI models. This case is one of the first legal challenges to AI platforms to reach the discovery stage, potentially setting a precedent for future litigation against...
read Aug 21, 2024AI Art Project Captivates 700,000 Instagram Followers
The rise of AI-generated digital worlds: Tony Rapacioli's The Visual Dome has emerged as a groundbreaking AI art project, captivating a massive Instagram following and redefining the boundaries of digital creativity. From music to AI art: Rapacioli, a former music producer, discovered AI as a creative tool in late 2022, quickly developing The Visual Dome concept and leveraging his background in photography and sound design. The Visual Dome has amassed over 700,000 followers on Instagram, becoming a phenomenon in the AI art world. Rapacioli's transition from music production to visual art demonstrates the versatility of AI tools in various creative...
read Aug 19, 2024Procreate CEO Sparks Debate With Bold Anti-Generative AI Stance
AI controversy in digital art world: Procreate CEO James Cuda has taken a strong stance against generative AI, sparking debate in the digital art community. Cuda released a video on social media platform X, expressing his intense dislike for generative AI and its impact on artists, stating "I really fucking hate generative AI." Procreate, a popular digital illustration app designed for tablet computing, has committed to not incorporating generative AI into its products. The company launched a webpage outlining its position, claiming that generative AI is "ripping the humanity out of things" and is built on a foundation of theft....
read Aug 18, 2024Google’s New AI Photo Editing Tools Are Making Photographers Uncomfortable
AI-driven photo editing sparks debate: Google's latest advancements in AI-powered photo editing tools for the Pixel 9 have ignited discussions about the future of photography and its authenticity. The introduction of Magic Editor and subsequent features like Auto-frame and Reimagine has raised concerns among photography enthusiasts about the potential loss of authenticity in captured moments. These tools allow users to significantly alter photos, from changing backgrounds to recomposing shots, blurring the line between reality and digital manipulation. The ease of editing has sparked fears that it may lead to a decline in photographic skills and a reliance on post-processing fixes....
read Aug 18, 2024Why Does All AI-Generated Art Tend to Look Similar?
The rise of AI-generated art: AI image generation has become widespread, but a distinct aesthetic pattern has emerged across different platforms, raising questions about the underlying factors shaping this new form of visual expression. Aesthetic uniformity in AI art: Despite the variety of AI image generators available, the output tends to converge on a similar style characterized by vibrant, saturated colors, idealized human figures, and dramatic lighting effects. This aesthetic consistency spans across multiple AI art platforms, suggesting common underlying factors influencing the visual output. The prevalence of this style has led to discussions about the creative limitations and potential...
read Aug 18, 2024Metropolitan Museum of Art and OpenAI Team Up on Interactive AI Fashion Exhibit
AI meets art history: The Metropolitan Museum of Art has partnered with OpenAI to create an innovative AI chatbot named Natalie Potter for their "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" exhibit, blending cutting-edge technology with historical fashion. Natalie Potter is designed as a fictional 1920s socialite, powered by OpenAI's latest AI model, offering museum visitors a unique interactive experience. Visitors can engage with Natalie via text chat on their smartphones, learning about a 1930s wedding dress on display and gaining insights into life during that era. The AI has been meticulously trained on databases of relevant historical information to authentically mimic the...
read Aug 16, 2024Federal Judge Advances Landmark AI Copyright Lawsuit
The legal landscape surrounding AI-generated art is evolving as a federal judge allows key claims to proceed in a lawsuit against prominent AI art generators, potentially setting a precedent for how copyright law applies to AI systems trained on internet data. Legal breakthrough for artists: A federal judge has permitted copyright infringement and trademark claims to move forward in a lawsuit filed by artists against AI art generators including Stability AI, Midjourney, and DeviantArt. The lawsuit centers on the LAION dataset, which allegedly contains 5 billion scraped images used to train AI models like Stable Diffusion. The judge found that...
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