When it comes to this discussion of artist vs. tool – who is the author? This debate has always been in some form of discussion. 

One particularly eloquent painter, Vincent van Gogh once bemoaned, “This darn paintbrush! Always stealing my thunder!” Well okay, maybe that isn’t his exact quote but I am sure that if he could shit-post on Twitter he would have trended worldwide with some drama about being the OG diva, chopping his freaking ear off.

But if you will see for a second another art form, when a filmmaker captures a wide exterior shot of a landscape enveloping within the frame, the human adjusts the iris to allow the perfect exposure, the color correction added in post in coordination between person and device… Do we question the authority of the conversation between tool and artist?

Art is external. That is why we love and appreciate it – the representation it has of humanity.

Do we love a song because of how it was recorded or how it makes us feel?

We love that it was recorded. It has presence and space outside of the person.

So what is this generative art? And, more importantly, is it too outside of human interaction between tool and artist to be considered art? 

To make a turd brown is still to push something out, even if it is the same shit as everyone else.

That is what AI art does is push shit out.

Generative art is a form of creation that relies on algorithms, data, and computational processes to create work. These systems analyze patterns, learn from existing work, and generate new pieces based on that knowledge. Arguably, like how humans iterate, take inspiration and make new patterns or connections.

Does this mean that AI itself can be considered the artist? Can we attribute the creative process solely to the machines?

The answer is:

AI might be the greatest pinnacle of art.

But good AI artwork needs the intentionality and input of humanity.

Can we ever attribute the entire creative process solely to the system? While AI may be the most important unlock in human capabilities it still lacks consciousness, personal experience, and perspective to shape an artistic expression.

When AI is involved in the artistic process, it becomes a collaborative partner. A tool in the toolkit. If we establish now, that the AI is a tool in the artists toolbelt – at what quotient do we subscribe to the percentages of ownership to these systems?    

There inevitably will be two paths: using AI intelligently and using AI stupidly.

Can AI be the artist solely?

Yes, it really can as it can externalize and make receptive an objective piece of materiality. 

There will be content mills which push out whatever is generative to take space.

But there can also be a new wave of artists who use the tools intelligently as an extension to best represent humanity.

These artists will be humans, using the best systems in the smartest ways – they will recognize the importance of their own subjective experiences, emotions, and ensure that what they publish is reflective of their own hearts. These artists will understand that the true power of AI lies not in the replacement of human artists but the augmentation of opening up new realms of artistic exploration.

The artist becomes the author, curator, and interpreter of the art they are creating together. They shape, guide, and master the medium all with infusing their deliberate vision.

Ultimately, the question of who the artist is, may never be answered. The artist always seeks out who they are through their work.

The power of AI lies not in the determining of who the artist is but in the transformative and enriching process of creation.

Our art must challenge us, understand us, and move us. On this journey of exploration, uncovering who we are through our art, let us embrace the possibilities that arise when we intelligently harness all the tools of creation.

Let us unlock a new wave of artistic expression that is better than anything to ever come before. 

As we unlock the greatest challenge to self-discovery with the systems, machines, stories, and new mediums explored through an unparalleled wave of heightened artistic exploration.

Let us redefine the boundaries of creativity for generations to come.

Let’s push out the best shit.