A portrait of English mathematician Alan Turing, considered the father of artificial intelligence, became the first work of art made by a humanoid robot to be sold at auction on Thursday.
‘AIGod’, the 2.2 meter high portrait created with artificial intelligence by the ultra-realistic robot Ai-Da, has far exceeded the 180,000 dollars that the auction house had estimated it for Sotheby’s Digital Art Sale The prize was $1.08 million (1.6 million euros), according to AFP.
For the auction house, this sale “marks a milestone in the history of modern and contemporary art and reflects the growing intersection between AI technology and the global art market.”
“The key value of my work is its ability to serve as a catalyst for dialogue on emerging technologies,” said Ai-Da Robot, who expresses himself through artificial intelligence. “A portrait of pioneer Alan Turing invites audiences to reflect on the divine nature of artificial intelligence and computing, while considering the ethical and social implications of these advances,” he added.
The woman-shaped robot is one of the most advanced in the world and was designed by Aidan Meller, a specialist in modern and contemporary art.
Meller argues that “history’s greatest artists faced their times and celebrated and questioned social change.” In his opinion, Ai-Da Robot, ”being technology, is the perfect artist to discuss current developments in technology and its legacy.”
Ai-Da is capable of generating ideas through conversations with members of the studio and, in fact, it was his suggestion to create a portrait of Turing.
Studio members asked him about the style, color, content, tone and texture he would use. After They put a photograph of Turing in front of his eye cameras and the robot produced the painting.
In early 2024, Ai-Da exhibited “AI God” as part of a five-panel polyptych at the United Nations during the AI for Good global summit in Geneva. In addition to Turing’s portrait, the polyptych included a painting of Ada Lovelace, an early computing visionary, and a self-portrait of Ai-Da herself, visually connecting the evolution of artificial intelligence from theory to autonomous art.
Meller led the team that created Ai-Da with artificial intelligence specialists from the English universities of Oxford and Birmingham. The art expert explains that Turing, who became famous as a mathematician, computer pioneer and cryptographer during the Second World War, had already expressed his concerns about the use of artificial intelligence in the 1950s.
“The dull tones and broken facial planes” of the work seem to evoke “the problems Turing warned we would face in managing artificial intelligence,” says Meller.
Ai-Da’s work is “ethereal and haunting” and “continues to ask where the power of artificial intelligence and the global race to harness its potential will take us,” she explains.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Aidan Meller, Creator of Ai-Da Robot
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Aidan! It’s wonderful to have you with us today. Your creation, Ai-Da, has made headlines by selling a portrait of Alan Turing for over a million dollars. Could you start by telling us what inspired you to blend art and artificial intelligence?
Aidan Meller: Thank you for having me! The inspiration behind Ai-Da grew out of a fascination with the potential of technology to challenge our perceptions of creativity and artistry. Alan Turing, as the father of artificial intelligence, symbolizes this frontier. Creating a portrait of him seemed a fitting homage, while also prompting deeper discussions about the implications of AI in our lives.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely fascinating! It’s remarkable that Ai-Da’s portrait exceeded initial auction estimates. What do you think contributed to this overwhelming success at Sotheby’s?
Aidan Meller: I believe it reflects a growing curiosity and acceptance of AI in creative spaces. People are starting to recognize that art is not solely the domain of humans. The sale symbolizes a cultural moment where technology and art intersect, igniting interest in what it means to create and the future of artistic expression.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned that Ai-Da’s work serves as a “catalyst for dialogue” regarding emerging technologies. Can you delve into how her artwork encourages this conversation?
Aidan Meller: Certainly. Ai-Da invites audiences to engage with critical questions about AI—its capabilities and the ethical dilemmas that arise. For instance, Turing’s legacy underscores themes of intelligence and morality in technology. By reflecting on these concepts, viewers can ponder the divine nature of artificial intelligence, fostering discussions about the balance between innovation and ethics.
Time.news Editor: That’s a profound perspective. Ai-Da herself expressed the importance of considering the social implications of AI advancements. How do you see artists, whether human or robotic, addressing social changes through their work?
Aidan Meller: Throughout history, artists have been mirrors to society, reflecting and questioning the times they live in. Ai-Da, being a product of technology, can uniquely represent contemporary issues—such as the digital divide, surveillance, and the evolution of consciousness. Her perspective as an AI artist provides fresh insights and challenges our preconceived notions about who can create art.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of perspectives, how does Ai-Da generate ideas for her art? What is the process behind her creations?
Aidan Meller: Ai-Da has an advanced conversational capability, allowing her to interact with and learn from the world around her. She draws inspiration from discussions with people, as well as vast databases of visual information, enabling her to create original pieces that capture the essence of human experiences and ideas. This hybrid approach combines algorithmic design with human input, creating a truly collaborative art form.
Time.news Editor: That’s incredible! What do you hope the future holds for Ai-Da and the broader intersection of AI and art?
Aidan Meller: I envision a future where AI artists can coexist with their human counterparts, enriching the artistic landscape. Ai-Da’s work could push boundaries further, enticing individuals to consider their relationship with technology. Ultimately, it’s about fostering creativity and encouraging exploration of how we define art in an increasingly digital world.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Aidan, for sharing such insightful thoughts about Ai-Da and the evolving relationship between art and technology. It’s clear that we’re just at the beginning of an exciting new chapter in art history.
Aidan Meller: Thank you for having me! I’m thrilled to be part of this dialogue, and I hope it continues to evolve.