Art is often subject to personal interpretation, making it difficult for any machine to replicate the diverse range of emotions and concepts experienced through a creative piece. It is commonly agreed that the ingenuity and versatility of human artists is unlikely to be matched by computers.
Although there were initial concerns, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) have advanced significantly in recent times, pleasantly surprising many. These technologies are now capable of automating tasks that were previously time-consuming and arduous, and they have begun to make an impact in the creative industry. AI is now leveraged to generate musical, artistic, and literary works that were previously believed to be exclusive products of human creativity.
However, what exactly is meant by artificial intelligence?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) pertains to a machine’s ability to execute tasks that ordinarily necessitate human intervention. Numerous familiar technologies employ AI, for instance those that analyse language, identify voices, and interpret images.
AI algorithms are heavily reliant on software and hardware components to function. Developers leverage programming languages like Java, Python, and R to devise use cases and AI-based solutions.
AI systems scrutinise vast datasets to uncover associations and trends. This information is then leveraged to create predictive models, which are capable of taking action based on their forecasts. An instance of this is an advanced bot that can recognise and classify images. The analysis and utilisation of such data is key to harnessing the full potential of AI.
The Advancement of Computer Programming in Artistic Endeavours
The application of computers in art dates all the way to 1972, when Harold Cohen, a designer, devised the first computer-based tool to aid his artistic pursuits. The software, known as ‘AARON’, was capable of producing designs that adhered to programmatic instructions, and even refining previous works.
What is the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Present-day Art?
Contrary to popular belief, the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) does not devalue art, but rather enhances it. Companies like Celsys and Adobe are increasingly integrating AI components into their digital design tools. An example of this is Adobe Sensei, which streamlines the Adobe suite by enabling faster image editing and stock footage authentication, in addition to video re-framing and an overall more efficient design process.
Employing machine learning algorithms can allow artists to divert their attention towards more imaginative and innovative aspects of their work, instead of mundane ones. For instance, they can be utilised to automatically frame videos for specific objectives or fill pre-specified sections of a canvas.
Developers are currently delving into the possibility of using AI algorithms to emulate a user’s desired aesthetic by scrutinising millions of photos for reference. Subsequently, the system strives to generate novel images founded upon the principles it has assimilated.
Instances of Famous Artworks Produced using AI
AI can be employed to teach bots how to write scripts. As an illustration, we developed a bot that was trained to view a thousand hours of Batman movies. Consequently, the bot was able to create its own Bat-script, the product of which is profoundly valuable.
Recent publications have discussed the application of Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) in constructing AI-produced media. This category of algorithms was initially introduced by computer scientist Ian Goodfellow in 2014.
An artist can utilise a machine learning system to generate a new video frame by inputting a varied set of images. The algorithm accomplishes this by constructing a framework using the given photographs, which the artist is then able to manipulate to create a fresh artwork. This procedure is commonly known as Deepfake in the media.
Tasks AI Cannot Accomplish
It is evident that Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers a multitude of practical uses, especially within the artistic industries. AI is capable of drastically minimising the time required to complete various tasks, which enables artists to dedicate their time to other facets of their work.
Though Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the prowess to design and create video frames, it still relies on human artists for direction. AI is incapable of generating a sequence of frames or images arbitrarily. Therefore, human artists are indispensable in conceiving visual constituents, organising motion graphics, and ultimately curating the final piece of work.
When it comes to complete creative control, the software fails to precisely emulate human facial characteristics. Artists like Daniel E. Berlyne and Anna Ridler, who have employed GAN to create art via AI, serve as prime examples of this.
Ink was used to produce sketches created with generative models, which were applied to static frames. A sequence of unique images were generated and then modified to create a film. However, further touch-ups after production were still necessary to achieve the intended result.
These two examples illustrate how individuals in the creative field can employ tools that are based on artificial intelligence when creating art. The process of crafting art usually requires a specific series of steps and presents numerous possible outcomes that artists can appreciate. However, AI-generated results may yield skewed results with minimal alterations to existing data, resulting in an output that is remarkably similar to the intended output.
Artificial Intelligence’s engagement in the process of creativity is not restricted to the last product but also extends to examining how an artist and a computer can cooperate to produce a visually pleasing result.
The notion that artificial intelligence can enable full artistic expression is generally not accepted. Though the outcomes of AI may be unpredictable, some may perceive them to be excessively organised. Nonetheless, when human creativity is joined with the perseverance of a computer, the outcomes can be extraordinary. That is why several individuals in the creative field are currently integrating AI into their work.
Therefore, can artificial intelligence create art?
Artists can rest assured that their work is impervious to the hazards of automation. In truth, Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds the possibility of creating novel opportunities for aesthetic ingenuity and self-expression. Nevertheless, the artisanal process will always be firmly in the hands of the artist.
It is apparent that Artificial Intelligence (AI) necessitates considerable knowledge and guidance in order to capture the numerous components of art. Therefore, there is still a lengthy journey ahead before AI can self-sufficiently generate art.
