AI and Art: Where Do We Draw The Line ?

The integration of AI in our daily lives has now been translated to the art industry. The recent Sony Photography Contest 2023 has raised concerns about the future of photography and how AI-generated images are perceived. As Africans, it is crucial to analyze the various factors affecting the creative industry, including the increasing use of AI.

The innovation of OpenAI’s DALL·E has revolutionized the art industry completly as artists get to use Artificial intelligence to better their images to convey the mssage properly to their audiences. Boris Eldagsen, a German photographer, utilized this tool to create a stunning image titled “The Electrician” from his recent series, Pseudomnesia. The series explores the concept of fake memories using Artificial intelligence techniques such as inpainting, outpainting, and prompt whispering. Eldagsen believes that Artificial Intelligence will eventually replace photography as a means of reproducing reality. He argues that our minds have always created the world that causes us suffering, which is beautiful.

Eldagsen refused to accept his award for the Sony Photography Contest,open category award, claiming that the photo was AI-generated. he also stated that the same award should include AI images competing with photography as they are different entities. This brings up the question of when AI becomes too much and how to regulate such tools. Additionally, why are people making it seem that AI is a bad thing?

What can we do?

As a continet, we have experienced significant growth, with many emerging artists making waves globally. However, as the industry evolves, there is a need to embrace new technologies while also preserving our unique artistic heritage. The use of AI tools in our art can be a game changer if properly managed.

One solution to ensure the ethical use of AI in African art is to establish regulations that govern its use. Governments and industry stakeholders can work together to create a regulatory framework to ensures responsible usage . This framework should include guidelines on the use of AI-generated images and the appropriate recognition of their creators.

We could also invest in education and training for African artists to use AI tools ethically and effectively. This can include workshops, seminars, and training programs that teach artists how to use AI to create new works of art . African art organizations can also encourage collaborations between artists and AI developers to create new and innovative art pieces. This approach will not only promote innovation but also help establish ethical guidelines for AI’s use in the creative industry.

AI in art presents an opportunity to create new and innovative works of art.I strongly do not believe it should be criticides or ostracized but embraced as a neccesary evil( for lack of a better word). However, it is crucial to establish ethical guidelines and regulations that ensure AI’s responsible use while preserving our unique artistic heritage. By doing so, African artists can harness the power of AI to create works that inspire and challenge the world.