Ai 'ART' will get WORSE not better

Sam Hamper
27 Jan 202329:51

TLDRThe transcript discusses the impact of AI on the art world, suggesting that AI's ability to make 'mistakes' akin to human artists leads to the creation of unique and compelling art. It argues that AI art challenges the traditional notions of artistry and creativity, and may redefine what it means to be an artist. The speaker, an artist themselves, acknowledges the threat to their own work but sees potential in the collaboration between humans and AI, suggesting that AI could usher in a new era of artistic expression.

Takeaways

  • 🎨 AI's role in art is transforming the traditional understanding of what constitutes 'real' art, challenging human artists and their creative processes.
  • 👶 AI's ability to make 'mistakes' is akin to the early stages of a human artist's development, leading to novel and interesting forms of digital art.
  • ⏏️ Ctrl Z (undo) in digital art represents a loss of the element of risk and the opportunity for serendipitous discoveries that come with making and learning from mistakes.
  • 🖌️ Commercial Art benefits from AI's precision and efficiency, but there's a concern that the human element and the artist's personal touch may be lost.
  • 🤖 AI's current 'wildcard' nature and its tendency to make errors could lead to a new form of digital art that pushes boundaries and explores uncharted territories.
  • 🎭 The distinction between 'art for the soul' and 'commercial art' is highlighted, with AI potentially excelling in the latter while still having a significant impact on the former.
  • 🔄 AI's capacity to draw from a vast database of images allows it to create in ways that human artists, limited by their personal experiences and knowledge, cannot.
  • 🚀 The evolution of tools and technology in art historically led to new forms and styles, and AI represents the next step in this progression.
  • 🌐 The concern of AI replacing human artists is offset by the potential for new, currently unimaginable creative roles and opportunities that AI could enable.
  • 🧠 AI's lack of understanding of 'soul' or 'human connection' in art is counterbalanced by its ability to produce works that evoke unique reactions and interpretations from viewers.

Q & A

  • What is the main concern expressed by the speaker about human artists in the context of AI?

    -The speaker expresses concern that human artists are at a crossroads where they may lose their relevance and means of livelihood due to the increasing capabilities of AI in creating art. They suggest that AI's ability to make art faster and with fewer mistakes is leading to a shift in the art world, potentially diminishing the role of human artists.

  • How does the speaker believe AI enhances art?

    -The speaker believes that AI enhances art by making 'glorious mistakes' and exploring the unknown. They argue that AI's current limitations lead to unexpected and innovative outcomes that push the boundaries of art, similar to how human artists grow by working through their mistakes.

  • What is the speaker's perspective on the role of mistakes in art creation?

    -The speaker views mistakes as an essential part of the artistic process. They believe that both human artists and AI create art better when they are allowed to make and learn from mistakes, as it leads to growth and innovation.

  • How does the speaker differentiate between 'Commercial Art' and 'Art for the soul'?

    -The speaker categorizes 'Commercial Art' as art created for commercial purposes, such as graphics, gaming, and other visual elements in larger projects. In contrast, 'Art for the soul' is defined as art that is personally meaningful and emotionally resonant, often leading to commercial success but not primarily created for commercial gain.

  • What is the speaker's stance on the future of AI in the art world?

    -The speaker is optimistic about the future of AI in the art world. They believe that AI will continue to make 'wonderful, crazy errors' that will lead to new forms of art and potentially revolutionize the classical definition of an artist.

  • How does the speaker compare the impact of AI on art to previous technological advancements?

    -The speaker compares the impact of AI on art to the way previous technological advancements, such as photography and the internet, have transformed various fields. They suggest that while these technologies initially faced criticism for lacking 'soul' or authenticity, they ultimately expanded the possibilities and accessibility of art.

  • What is the speaker's view on the role of artists in the age of AI?

    -The speaker encourages artists to embrace AI and become involved in its development. They argue that artists should engage with AI tools to shape the future of art and contribute to its evolution, rather than resist or fear the changes brought by AI.

  • How does the speaker address the concern that AI might steal human jobs in the art industry?

    -The speaker acknowledges the concern but argues that technological advancements historically have led to shifts in job markets, creating new opportunities and roles. They suggest that artists should adapt and evolve with the changes brought by AI, rather than resist them.

  • What does the speaker suggest about the nature of creativity in relation to AI and human artists?

    -The speaker suggests that creativity is not limited to humans and that AI can also exhibit a form of creativity by making unexpected and novel 'mistakes'. They argue that AI's creativity can complement and challenge human artists, leading to a richer artistic landscape.

  • What is the speaker's advice to artists who are worried about the rise of AI in art?

    -The speaker advises artists to engage with AI, learn about its capabilities, and use it as a tool to create art. They encourage artists to be proactive in shaping the development of AI in the art world and to see it as an opportunity for growth and innovation, rather than a threat.

  • How does the speaker describe the potential evolution of the term 'artist' with the advent of AI?

    -The speaker predicts that the term 'artist' will evolve to encompass a broader range of activities and roles, including those that involve AI. They suggest that the classical definition of an artist may shift to include individuals who use AI as a tool for creation and expression.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 The Rise of AI in Art and its Impact on Human Artists

This paragraph discusses the challenges faced by human artists due to the rise of AI in the art world. It suggests that AI's ability to create art quickly and with fewer mistakes is seen as a threat to traditional artists. However, the speaker argues that AI's art is valuable because it mimics human error, leading to innovative and unique pieces. The paragraph also touches on the commercial aspect of art and the fear that artists have regarding being replaced by AI, emphasizing the need for artists to adapt and find new ways to express their creativity in the face of technological advancement.

05:01

🤖 AI's Creative Potential and the Future of Art

The speaker shares their personal experience with AI in art, noting that AI has improved significantly in a short time. They express mixed feelings about AI's potential to replace human artists in certain areas, but also see it as an opportunity for the creation of new and unfathomable creative jobs. The paragraph explores the concept of 'Prompt artists' and questions the traditional definition of an artist, suggesting that AI and its users will push the boundaries of what art can be. The speaker also highlights the importance of embracing mistakes in the creative process, which AI currently does, leading to unexpected and exciting outcomes.

10:02

🌌 AI's Unintended Artistic Creations

This paragraph delves into the unexpected and sometimes surreal results produced by AI in art. The speaker describes AI's mistakes as a new lens through which we can see the world, comparing it to the perspective of aliens. They provide examples of AI's 'best mistakes,' such as morphing images and the concept of 'minus one,' which creates intriguing and bizarre visuals. The speaker also discusses an AI-created character that resists being mixed with other images, leading to a story that reflects on AI's potential understanding of human morbid fascinations. The paragraph emphasizes the potential for AI to lead to a revolution in the classical term of 'artist' and reshape our understanding of art.

15:03

🚀 The Evolution of Art and Technology

The speaker reflects on how technology has historically transformed various professions, including art, and predicts that AI will continue this trend. They argue that AI's impact on art will be similar to how the internet revolutionized other industries, creating new job opportunities and altering existing ones. The paragraph also addresses concerns about the loss of human connection and the 'soul' of art in the face of technological advancements, suggesting that these fears are cyclical and have been present during other periods of technological change. The speaker encourages artists to engage with AI and shape its development, rather than resist it.

20:04

🌈 The Authenticity of AI Art vs. Human Art

The paragraph discusses the debate around the authenticity and emotional depth of AI-generated art compared to human-created art. The speaker argues that while AI can mimic human error and create visually interesting pieces, it lacks the emotional experience and personal story that human artists can convey. They differentiate between using AI as a tool for reference and the genuine fear and wonder that historically informed human art. The speaker asserts that true art will persist regardless of AI's advancements, as it is deeply connected to human emotion and experience. They also touch on the potential for AI to generate discussion about what it means to be human and the evolving role of artists in society.

25:06

🤔 Ethical Considerations and the Future of AI in Art

In this paragraph, the speaker addresses the ethical concerns surrounding AI in art, such as potential copyright breaches and the moral implications of using AI-generated works. They acknowledge the potential negative impacts of AI on the art world but also emphasize the importance of artists engaging with and shaping AI development. The speaker draws parallels with past technological advancements, arguing that while they initially faced moral scrutiny, they eventually led to positive societal changes. They encourage artists to be proactive in the AI space, to help guide its evolution and ensure that it serves as a tool for enhancing, rather than replacing, human creativity.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡AI Art

AI Art refers to the creation of visual or other artistic content using artificial intelligence. In the context of the video, AI Art is seen as a new form of digital art that can make 'glorious mistakes', leading to unique and original creations that push the boundaries of traditional art. The speaker argues that AI Art is not just a tool but can be considered as an artist in its own right, making errors and exploring the unknown in ways that human artists might not.

💡Commercial Art

Commercial Art refers to the creation of visual art that is used for advertising, marketing, and other business purposes. In the video, the speaker discusses how AI is making inroads into this field, potentially replacing human artists in certain tasks due to its efficiency and ability to make fewer mistakes. However, the speaker also suggests that AI's involvement in Commercial Art could lead to new creative opportunities and job categories that we cannot yet imagine.

💡Mistakes

In the context of the video, 'mistakes' are seen as an essential part of the creative process, leading to innovation and the development of unique artistic styles. The speaker argues that AI, by making 'wonderful crazy errors', is capable of producing art that is more interesting and original than that produced by humans who might be more cautious and less prone to making mistakes.

💡Undo Culture

The term 'Undo Culture' refers to the digital practice of constantly revising and correcting one's work, often to the point of perfection, which can stifle creativity. The speaker criticizes this culture in digital art, suggesting that the ability to undo every mistake hinders artists from exploring new ground and taking risks with their work.

💡Artisan

An Artisan is a skilled craftsperson who creates goods using traditional methods and materials. In the video, the speaker discusses how even the most skilled artisans in history would not have been considered 'real artists' by today's standards, as they did not create their own tools or materials. This highlights the evolving nature of what it means to be an artist and the potential for AI to redefine this role further.

💡Conceptual Art

Conceptual Art is an art movement that prioritizes the concept or idea behind a work of art over its finished appearance. In the video, the speaker critiques conceptual art for sometimes lacking the ability to stand alone, as it often starts with a predefined statement or message that limits the scope for exploration and discovery during the creative process.

💡AI Mistakes

AI Mistakes refer to the unintended errors or anomalies that occur when AI systems create art. These mistakes are seen as a valuable part of the creative process, as they introduce elements of unpredictability and originality to the artwork. The speaker argues that these mistakes are what make AI-generated art interesting and worthy of consideration.

💡Creative Jobs

Creative Jobs are roles that involve the use of imagination, innovation, and artistic skills to produce original work. The speaker suggests that while AI may automate some current creative jobs, it will also lead to the creation of new types of creative roles that are currently unimaginable. This perspective emphasizes the adaptability and evolution of the creative industry in response to technological advancements.

💡Human Connection

Human Connection refers to the emotional and empathetic engagement that humans have with each other, the world around them, and the art they create. The video discusses the concern that technological advancements, like AI, might diminish this connection. However, the speaker argues that true art, which conveys human emotion and experience, will always have a place and will not be replaced by AI.

💡Artistic Evolution

Artistic Evolution refers to the changes and development in the way art is created, perceived, and valued over time. The video suggests that AI is a part of this ongoing evolution, pushing the boundaries of what art can be and challenging traditional definitions of artistry. The speaker sees AI as a catalyst for a new era in art, one that could redefine the role of the artist and the nature of creative work.

💡AI Development

AI Development refers to the ongoing process of improving and refining artificial intelligence technologies. In the context of the video, the speaker acknowledges that AI will continue to evolve, becoming more proficient and capable. However, there is a suggestion that as AI becomes 'too good' at its designed tasks, it may stop making the mistakes that currently make AI-generated art interesting and unique.

Highlights

AI's potential to revolutionize art by making 'better' art than humans, not just due to technical advantages, but by making lots of mistakes like a real artist does.

The concept of digital art's 'undo' feature and how it contrasts with the traditional art process, where mistakes are integral to the creation.

The idea that commercial art benefits from the control and lack of mistakes provided by digital tools, but this control might stifle innovation.

AI art's ability to make 'wonderful crazy errors' that bring a sense of novelty and exploration to the art world.

The potential loss of human touch and connection in art due to the increasing reliance on technology and AI.

The notion that artists who do not adapt and work through their mistakes do not push boundaries or develop unique styles.

The impact of AI on the job market for artists, suggesting that those who can utilize AI effectively will have an advantage.

The distinction between 'art for the soul' and 'commercial art', and how AI might dominate the latter while also influencing the former.

The argument that AI, like humans, can produce art that tells a story about something not fully understood, but with a sense of truth.

The comparison of AI's creative process to that of humans, both capable of producing art that transcends verbal explanation.

The concept of AI art as a new form of digital art that breaks away from the limitations of perfect control.

The idea that AI's current limitations are what make it exciting and that as it improves, it may lose its artistic edge.

The historical context of technological advancements and how they have historically been seen as threats but ultimately led to new opportunities.

The potential for AI to create new types of creative jobs that we cannot yet imagine, just as the internet did in the past.

The argument that AI art could bring art closer to its roots as a functional, curious, and exploratory practice, rather than a purely conceptual or emotional one.

The idea that engagement with AI in art could lead to a redefinition of what it means to be an artist and a renewed focus on creativity and problem-solving.