Meditation: On The Threat Artificial Intelligence Poses To Artists

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is disrupting the world of art, posing both opportunities and threats to artists. The potential for AI-generated art to replace human-generated art and automate the creative process raises concerns about the future of traditional artistic skills and the role of human artists in the creative process. One of the most significant threats AI poses to artists is the potential for AI-generated art to replace human-generated art. AI-powered tools can create art that is indistinguishable from that produced by human artists, and in some cases, they can even surpass the capabilities of human artists. This raises the question of whether AI-generated art can be considered "real" art and what role human artists will play in the future of the art world. Moreover, AI-generated art lacks the emotional and personal connection that human artists bring to their creations, which could lead to a homogenization of the art world. If AI-generated art becomes the norm, we could see a loss of the diversity and individuality that is so essential to the art world. In fact, those last three paragraphs were written by AI. I asked ChatGPT to "write 300 words on the threat artificial intelligence poses to artists" and that was how it opened. A sure-fire a way to incite existential dread and leave me feeling more-than-just-a-little-bit cheap and dirty. Of course, you can tell the AI and human elements apart now but only because of the humour. When asked if ChatGPT could make it funny it wrote: let's be real, it's not like we're going to have robot Picassos anytime soon. Sure, AI-generated art can be impressive, but it lacks the human touch that makes art so meaningful. And let's not forget that AI-generated art is just that – generated by a computer algorithm. It's not like the AI is sitting around musing on the meaning of life and pouring its heart and soul into its creations. The rest of this piece is written by yours truly, I promise! (unless, of course, I've asked ChatGPT to be duplicitous and create a false sense of trust whilst matching my writing style) This meditation was inspired by recent events in the world of photography. A few weeks ago, German artist, Boris Eldagsen, won the creative open category in the Sony World Photography Awards with an AI generated image.

Pseudomnesia: The Electrician by Boris Eldagsen. Eldagsen refused the prize, saying that he'd used the picture to test the competition and to create a discussion about the future of photography. The picture does seem a little 'computer-y' - in the same way that the AI writing felt a bit soulless in the opening here - but it is a very cool image and certainly stirs the imagination. Art is supposed to provoke an emotional response, so this must, surely, qualify as art. The words in the opening of this meditation serve to expand on the idea presented in the title, so should it qualify as a meditation. What is more important - the idea or the articulation of it? It seems to me, the threat to artists exists in the methods of expression but I am confident that AI cannot produce original ideas. Me: Give me an original idea ChatGPT: Here's an original idea for you: Create a "Museum of Dreams" The Museum of Dreams is a unique concept that explores the mysteries and wonders of the dream world. The museum could feature a range of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to explore their own dreams, as well as the dreams of others. Some possible exhibits could include:

• A "Dreamscape" exhibit that uses virtual reality technology to recreate the vivid landscapes and surreal imagery of dreams.

• A "Dream Analysis" exhibit where visitors can work with a dream interpreter to uncover the hidden meanings behind their dreams.

• An exhibit showcasing dream-inspired artwork and literature from around the world.

• A "Lucid Dreaming" exhibit that explores the phenomenon of becoming aware that one is dreaming and being able to control the dream.

• A "Nightmare" exhibit that delves into the darker side of dreams and explores the psychological impact of recurring nightmares.

The Museum of Dreams could be a thought-provoking and engaging experience for visitors of all ages, encouraging them to explore their own subconscious and the mysterious realm of dreams. F*ck!