AI (Artificial Intelligence) will never replace artists because art isn’t valued purely on aesthetics and innovation but rather its human qualities.
Despite artists’ anxieties, Artificial Intelligence can never replace them. Unlike AI artwork—which is valued for the way it appears—traditional pieces are valued by virtue of their human creation.
AI art programs are generative algorithms that take inputted data and export data which corresponds statistically to the original. AI image generation was popularized with the launch of DALL-E in 2021.
Since DALL-E’s launch in 2021, AI art continues to improve at an expeditious pace. With constant updates and improvements, AI’s unprecedented progression caused uncertainty the future and career of many artists.
Artists are already often for undervalued and underpaid so it makes sense to just replace them altogether. When AI can output a detailed image in seconds, why would someone pay for an artist to complete a piece in hours for a living wage?
Traditional art is valued for its composition and aesthetic beauty. However, we don’t just appreciate the beauty in itself, but also its creation by the human hand.
Artists are typically met with compliments like “That’s amazing. You’re so talented” or “You drew that?” Such instances show art is valued by virtue of it being created by a human. A person who requires immense training, time, and energy to refine their skill.
The value of artwork is also contingent upon its creator’s personal experience. Society has and will always love a tortured artist. This is why we love Vincent Van Gogh, who endured mental illness and poverty, never fully witnessing his success.
People value Van Gogh’s paintings because his use of colour and brushstrokes create a window. This window enables onlookers to witness his melancholic view of the world.
AI art is praised for its skill and innovation within a certain historical period. However, the value of AI production will never equate to human work. AI just takes in data and exports something similar without harnessing creativity or innovative artistic material.
In reference to personal experience, AI is worthless. AI does not live a life or have complex emotions, nor does it experience heartbreak, discrimination, or frustration. What makes traditional art invaluable are humans who channel their life experiences into creating something beautiful.
AI may be pretty, but it completely lacks the factors which give an artwork value. Without a human touch, art is just a pretty picture with no real substance.
This is why traditional art will never die, art requires humanity to provide people value, and no amount of AI generated art will change that.
Arden Mason-Ourique is a fourth year Sociology student and The Journal’s Graphics Editor
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