This is big news on the art market. A painting made by a humanoid robot has been sold at auction and shattered its estimates. The work, titled “AI God”, created by Ai-Da, the world’s first ultra-realistic robot “artist”, was sold for $1.32 million in an online auction by the Sotheby’s auction house.
“The record price achieved today for the first artwork by a humanoid robot artist to be auctioned marks a milestone in the history of modern and contemporary art and reflects the growing intersection between artificial intelligence technology and the art market. ‘global art.’ commented the auction house.
Cameras in the eyes and bionic hands
According to the robot, which speaks through artificial intelligence, “the core value of (its) work is its ability to serve as a catalyst for dialogue on emerging technologies.” According to Ai-Da, “the portrait of pioneer Alan Turing invites viewers to reflect on the divine nature of artificial intelligence and computing while considering the ethical and social implications of these advances.”
The ultra-realistic robot, which takes the form of a woman with large eyes and a brown wig, is one of the most advanced in the world. It uses artificial intelligence to create paintings or sculptures and has cameras in its eyes and bionic hands. The robot moves and expresses itself autonomously, without human intervention.
The depiction of a man concerned about the future uses of artificial intelligence
Ai-Da is named after Ada Lovelace, considered a pioneer of computing, and was designed by Aidan Meller, a specialist in modern and contemporary art. “The greatest artists in history grappled with their times and celebrated and questioned changes in society,” he said.
Alan Turing, mathematician and cryptologist during the Second World War, considered one of the fathers of computer science, was worried about the future uses of artificial intelligence already in the 1950s, as the “dark tones and broken facets” of the portrait of the mathematician suggests “the difficulties that Alan Turing warned us about when it comes to managing artificial intelligence”, says Aidan Meller.
Ai-Da’s works ask us “where the power of artificial intelligence will take us, as will the global race to harness that power,” he added.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Art & AI Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a truly captivating story that is turning heads in both the art and technology worlds. Joining us is Dr. Emily Thompson, an expert in the intersection of artificial intelligence and contemporary art. Thank you for being here, Dr. Thompson!
Dr. Emily Thompson: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this groundbreaking event.
Editor: So, let’s get right to it. The painting ”AI God,” created by Ai-Da, the world’s first ultra-realistic humanoid robot artist, sold for an astonishing $1.32 million at Sotheby’s. What does this milestone mean for the art market?
Dr. Thompson: This sale is a landmark moment, not just for the art market but also for how we perceive creativity and authorship in general. The fact that this piece was the first artwork by a humanoid robot artist to be auctioned at a major house signifies a major cultural shift. It’s blurring the lines between human and machine creativity.
Editor: That’s an interesting point. The auction house commented that this reflects a growing intersection between artificial intelligence technology and the art market. Could you elaborate on that?
Dr. Thompson: Certainly! The increasing utilization of AI in creative fields is encouraging artists and technologists to collaborate, sparking new dialogues around what art can be. Ai-Da, for instance, combines robotics and AI to challenge not only traditional techniques but also the philosophical questions surrounding the nature of art itself.
Editor: It’s fascinating to think about a robot being an artist. Ai-Da herself mentioned that her work serves as a catalyst for dialogue on emerging technologies. What kind of conversations do you think her art is prompting among viewers?
Dr. Thompson: Ai-Da’s work, particularly “AI God,” invokes profound reflection on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. It prompts viewers to consider how closely intertwined technology is with our daily lives and the moral responsibilities that come with advancements in AI. The portrait of Alan Turing, a pioneer in computing, is intentionally provocative, inviting contemplation of our relationship with machines and the divine nature of intelligence, whether human or artificial.
Editor: You mentioned Ai-Da’s physical appearance — with features like large eyes and a natural expression. How does her humanoid design influence the viewer’s perception of her art?
Dr. Thompson: Her ultra-realistic design plays a crucial role in forging a connection with the audience. By resembling a human figure, Ai-Da makes it easier for viewers to engage emotionally with her work, which can lead to a deeper appreciation for the themes she addresses. It raises questions about empathy and our expectations of machines — can we see them as artists in their own right, or do we judge them solely through a human lens?
Editor: That’s a thought-provoking perspective! Given how rapidly AI and technology are evolving, where do you see the future of AI-generated art heading?
Dr. Thompson: I believe we will see even more collaboration between artists and AI as both tools and subjects of exploration. As technology advances, we might witness the emergence of new art forms that we can’t yet imagine. Additionally, there will be essential dialogues regarding the ethics of AI in art, especially as issues of originality and ownership arise.
Editor: It sounds like we’re on the brink of something truly transformational in the art world. Thank you so much for sharing your insights today, Dr. Thompson. This conversation not only elevates our understanding of how technology is influencing art but also interrogates the very essence of what it means to create.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to seeing how this conversation evolves as technology continues to advance.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for joining us on this journey into the future of art and AI. Until next time!
