ISAIART,ART?

By Ezra Pavoncelli '25

With the recent rise in artificial intelligence (AI) conversation and generation software, it is essential to understand whether or not their use is ethical.

AI art tools such as DALL-E, Jasper Art, Night Cafe and Stable Diffusion have skyrocketed in popularity because of their ability to instantly create an image based on a text prompt. Unsurprisingly, this has sparked a debate around the question: “Is AI art art?”

AI art softwares work by sifting through images online related to a text prompt, they then compile those components into an image. The issues with this are crystal clear; many photos are copyrighted and the tools also search through the work of real artists

"EvenAIartisfedbythe workofrealartists."

To answer the question, “Is AI art art?” We have to define what art is.

The Oxford Dictionary defines art as “The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power ”

AI art, by Oxford dictionary definition, can only be an emulation of art. Inputting text a prompt is not an indication of human creative skill. While AI lacks creative skills, there are many humans who do possess them People, artists included, are often forced to compete in their chosen career fields. Many artists take issue with the use of AI art because of its devaluing of time, effort and skill

In a vacuum AI art may be acceptable, but in a situation in which artists are forced to compete with computers, it is not only unethical but incredibly harmful.

The sale of these AI art pieces and their use in competition is an issue. The ease of AI creation compared to the years of training many professional artists endure in order to pursue their passion is a clear advantage In an already fiercely competitive environment, discouraging artists from sharing and selling the work they take pride in is cruel. One such case was in a Colorado competition where Jason Allen used an AI software known as midjourney to produce a “digital artwork ” Since the competition guidelines never mentioned AI generated material, the submission was accepted, winning first place and a prize of $300 USD.

As of January 2023, Getty Images has launched a lawsuit against Stability AI, the owners of Stable Diffusion. The widely-known image company alleges that Stable Diffusion used its content without obtaining legal permission to do so Luckily, this deters companies from replacing artists with AI software as artists often do rely on such companies for employment.

One argument commonly used by those who support the use of AI art is that there is a human element. Some believe that the text prompt is equivalent to human skill. Another point used to justify it is that, "Not everyone has the skill to create art ” And this is not incorrect, however;

The ease of creation may even discourage people from learning to create their own true art

Overall, AI art has many negative impacts on artists, users and corporations. It is a mimicry of art and everything it stands for. Where art emphasizes the creativity of the artist, AI emphasizes the efficiency of the machine The history of art is all about building upon the process and progress of those who came before.

As Leonardo Da Vinci says, “Where the spirit does not work with the hand there is no art ”