Thumbs Down for AI in the Art World
If you can make it through the next four paragraphs I have a revealing surprise that all but proves my point. Please endure.
The integration of artificial intelligence into the art world, while offering exciting possibilities, presents several notable disadvantages. One primary concern revolves around the potential for the devaluation of human artistry. As AI algorithms become increasingly sophisticated at generating aesthetically pleasing works, the perceived value of human skill, creativity, and years of dedicated practice may diminish. The very essence of art, often tied to the artist’s personal experience, emotional expression, and unique perspective, risks being overshadowed by the mass-produced, technically flawless output of AI.
Furthermore, the question of originality and copyright becomes a complex ethical dilemma. AI models are trained on vast datasets of existing artworks, raising concerns about intellectual property and the potential for plagiarism. While AI can create novel combinations and styles, the fundamental building blocks of its creations are derived from human-made sources. This blurs the lines of authorship and raises questions about who truly owns the resulting artwork.
Another disadvantage is the potential for homogenization of artistic styles. If AI algorithms are primarily trained on popular or commercially successful art, they may reinforce existing trends and limit artistic exploration. This could lead to a lack of diversity and innovation, as artists and audiences become accustomed to a narrow range of AI-generated styles. The risk of losing the unexpected and the raw, the very elements that drive artistic evolution, is significant.
Finally, the reliance on AI in art could lead to a decline in critical thinking and aesthetic appreciation.
As AI tools become more readily available, there’s a risk of audiences becoming passive consumers of art, rather than actively engaging with it. The process of analyzing, interpreting, and appreciating art, which fosters critical thinking and cultural understanding, may be undermined by the ease and accessibility of AI-generated content. The nuances of human expression, the imperfections that often make art compelling, could be lost in the pursuit of algorithmic perfection.
META AI generated image of art vs real life side by side. Still not reality.
As you may have guessed, the first few paragraphs were AI generated and could put anybody to sleep reading the quickly inserted (yet still informative) text. And since writing is considered an art form AI still has work to do with captivating an audience in reading. Who knows, however, as quickly as AI is evolving by the time I publish this blog post it could have figured out my writing style and even fool me.
My focus will not be in the writing and music as art forms, but I will be focusing on the artforms that I’m emersed with on a daily basis: the media of film, animation, 3D and 2D rendering.
No emotional depth
Too perfect. There’s an amazing phenomenon within humans, which is, that we have the capability of recognizing an image if it’s real or not, particularly an image of another person. This started with the altered cover photos on magazines where airbrushing and photoshop editing made the models look too perfect. Then there were the filters that we all see too common on selfies and social media posts and advertisements. A true, live, human or even any other animal in nature is not perfectly symmetrical and has other minor flaws that when put all together IS real life. We know this subconsciously because we see it all the time. AI, when asked to imagine or generate an image tries to get it perfect so until the programming algorithm includes these minor flaws it’s an easy giveaway.
AI in Film
Side by side comparison of princess Leia real photo (top) vs AI generated image (bottom).
I fear that the film industry will cave and continue to “ride the shark” by using AI to cut corners and pump out faster productions. I know for a fact that entire documentaries are being AI generated, including the narration.
AI in Art 3D/2D Multimedia
This is where I spend most of my time and efforts on. The header is confusing…it just means sculpting, painting and photography.
The human element of spontaneous inspiration, personal struggle, and unconventional thought, which often fuels truly groundbreaking art, is difficult, if not impossible, for AI to replicate.
The mastery of sculpting techniques, such as carving, modeling, or casting, requires years of dedicated practice, “hands-on” understanding, and an intimate relationship with materials. If AI can generate intricate sculptural forms with ease, there is a risk that aspiring artists may bypass the rigorous training necessary to develop these foundational skills. The same applies to painting, where understanding color theory, composition, and various brushwork techniques is paramount. If AI can produce aesthetically pleasing paintings instantly, the incentive to meticulously hone these skills diminishes.
AI just has no emotional depth. It will create artistic stagnation and an erosion of human skills.
I’ve developed an immense respect and admiration for professional photographers from my cosplay adventures and I fear for their future as well. I can just upload any photos, of one of my cosplays, into an AI program, and edit my own pics with as many prompts as I want to until I get my desired output.
Below are some pics of my own stormtrooper helmet I made vs an A.I. generated photo from X’s Grok program. Throughout this blog I used every program from Gemini, Meta A.I., Chat GPt, and now Grok:
Real stormtrooper helmet I made. Bad lighting cause I’m no photographer.
A.I. generated photo of a stormtrooper helmet. Too crisp, floating in air, dirt specs all over to attempt imperfection. Lighting is very well imitative as a photograph.
You can see the alure of using AI to enhance sales by posting the AI picture over the real thing. Imagine the disappointment when the buyer gets the product if they were to compare sales listing to product in hand. It’s still profitable because only a small percentage of consumers, I’m guessing, will check.
as much as I’ve been negative towards AI here, it’s important NOT to ignore it. It’s here to stay and we need to learn how to use it and use it well. Remember it’s just an “it” and not a sentient being.
In a world increasingly captivated by the efficiency and allure of artificial intelligence, it’s important to slow down and consider what we might be sacrificing in the name of progress. As this reflection makes clear, AI’s entry into the art world—while impressive—lacks the intangible spark of the human experience. Whether it’s the imperfection that gives a sculpture soul, the raw emotion behind a camera lens, or the layered storytelling of film, art thrives on humanity’s unique ability to feel, to struggle, and to surprise. AI can imitate and even innovate, but it cannot live. If we blindly hand over creativity to machines, we risk trading authenticity for convenience. The challenge now isn’t to reject AI, but to embrace it consciously—while fiercely protecting the human heartbeat at the center of every masterpiece.