Sensation bei Sotheby’s
Million dollar artwork: Portrait of Alan Turing breaks all records
November 9, 2024 – 11:30 a.mReading time: 2 min.
A painting of an AI-controlled robot has fetched a record price at auction. The work sparks a debate in the art world.
The renowned auction house Sotheby’s in London has auctioned off a work of art created by an AI-controlled robot for the first time. The 2.2 meter tall portrait of British computer pioneer Alan Turing achieved a sales price of 1.2 million euros – almost ten times more than the original estimate.
The creator of the work is the robot artist Ai-Da, which was developed in 2019 at the University of Oxford. It has cameras in its eyes, bionic hands and uses an advanced AI language model. Her appearance is similar to that of a woman with a brown pageboy haircut; she was named after the British mathematician Ada Lovelace.
The artwork is titled “AI God” and depicts the British mathematician Alan Turing, who lived from 1912 to 1954. Turing is considered a pioneer of modern computer science and played a crucial role in deciphering the German Enigma machine during World War II.
27 bidders submitted their bids in the online auction. The auction house initially estimated the value of the work at 120,000 to 180,000 euros. Sotheby’s described the sale as a historic moment for modern and contemporary art, as well as a reflection of the growing intersection between artificial intelligence and the global art market.
For Aidan Meller, gallery owner and operator of Ai-Da, the works created by the robot raise questions about where AI will lead humanity. Ai-Da herself commented on her works with the words: “The main value of my work is that it can serve as a catalyst for dialogue about new technologies.”
Interview: The Future of Art and AI
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good day, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re diving into a groundbreaking event in the art world—Sotheby’s recent auction where a portrait created by an AI-controlled robot sold for a staggering 1.2 million euros. Joining me to discuss this captivating intersection of technology and art is Dr. Ava Lang, an expert in digital art and AI technologies. Welcome, Dr. Lang!
Dr. Ava Lang (DAL): Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here discussing such a fascinating topic.
TNE: Let’s get right into it. This AI-generated portrait of Alan Turing achieved a record price nearly ten times the original estimate. Why do you think there was such a significant spike in its value?
DAL: This phenomenon stems from several factors. First, Alan Turing is a pivotal figure in computer science and artificial intelligence, making the subject matter inherently valuable. Second, the fact that the artwork was created by an AI sparks intrigue and conversation within both the tech and art communities. Auction prices often reflect not only the artist’s reputation but also the narrative behind the work. In this case, the artist isn’t a person—but a robot. That duality adds to the allure and the record-breaking price tag.
TNE: Absolutely! The duality you mentioned creates a fascinating dialogue. How do you see the role of traditional human artists evolving in light of AI-generated art?
DAL: This is an important question. I believe AI will not replace human artists, but rather it will complement and challenge them. Traditional artists may find new mediums of expression through AI, using it as a tool to enhance their creativity, much like photography did in the past. Rather than viewing AI as competition, artists can collaborate with it, allowing for innovative art forms that raise questions about authorship, creativity, and even what it means to be an artist.
TNE: Collaboration sounds promising! However, there’s a debate brewing in the art world about the authenticity of AI-generated art. Some critics argue that art should stem from human experience. What’s your take on this?
DAL: That debate is ongoing and complex. Art, at its core, is a reflection of human experience and emotion. AI lacks the consciousness and lived experiences of a human, which raises questions about authenticity. However, if we consider art as a form of communication that can provoke thought and emotion, AI-generated works can certainly succeed in that regard. The key is embracing the new dimensions that AI introduces to the creative process while also recognizing the unique value of human-created art.
TNE: That makes a lot of sense. Now, looking ahead, do you think we will see more pieces of AI-generated art fetching high prices at auctions?
DAL: I believe we will. As AI technology advances, the quality and complexity of what these systems can create will only improve. Collectors and investors are always on the lookout for novelty and the next big trend, and AI art certainly offers that. However, it will be interesting to see how the market balances traditional art and these new forms; the ongoing evolution will be vital to watch.
TNE: Exciting times indeed! Before we wrap up, what would you advise aspiring artists who want to explore AI as a medium?
DAL: I’d encourage them to be curious and embrace experimentation. There are many tools available now for artists to create with AI, and understanding those technologies can lead to innovative work. Collaboration with technologists or even AI programs can expand an artist’s repertoire and provide new avenues for creativity. The fusion of human artistry and artificial intelligence can lead to exciting, uncharted territories in the art world.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Lang. Your insights have illuminated the evolving landscape of art and technology. We look forward to seeing how these developments unfold!
DAL: Thank you for having me—it was a pleasure discussing this exciting subject!
TNE: And that’s a wrap! Stay tuned for more intriguing discussions on the future of technology, art, and beyond here at Time.news.