The photographer confessed that the image which won a prize was generated by AI.
German artist Boris Eldagsen says entry to Sony world photography awards was designed to provoke debate
The winner of the creative open category at the Sony world photography awards, Boris Eldagsen, has announced on his website that he will not accept the prestigious award. Eldagsen, a German photographer and artist, has confessed to generating the prize-winning image using artificial intelligence, describing himself as a “cheeky monkey.” The photograph features two women of different ages in black and white. Eldagsen, who has studied photography and visual arts at various institutions, including the Art Academy of Mainz, the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague, and the Sarojini Naidu School of Arts and Communication in Hyderabad, stated on his website that he applied to the competition to find out if AI-generated images would be accepted, which they were not.
Eldagsen stated that the photo community needs to have an open discussion regarding what should be classified as photography. Should AI-generated images be allowed under the umbrella of photography, or would this be a mistake? By refusing the award, he hopes to hasten this debate. He believes that the recent win by an AI-generated image in a prestigious international photography competition is a historic moment. He also questions whether people were aware or suspected that the image was AI-generated, and whether this feels right.
“AI images and photography should not compete with each other in an award like this. They are different entities. AI is not photography. Therefore I will not accept the award.”
Eldagsen suggested donating the prize to a photo festival hosted in Odesa, Ukraine.
The use and consequences of AI are a topic of much debate, with some expressing concerns about its potential to irreparably harm the human experience. Recent developments in the use of AI in various fields have fueled this discussion. Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, has stated that he worries about the dangers of AI and warns that it can be “very harmful” if used improperly. Boris Eldagsen, the winner of a photography competition, confirmed to the World Photography Organisation that his winning image was created with the help of AI. The competition allows for experimental approaches to image-making, including the use of cutting-edge digital practices such as AI. The organisation had hoped to engage in a more in-depth discussion on the topic, but Eldagsen has since declined his award and the organisation has suspended its activities with him. Despite the relevance of AI practices in artistic contexts, the awards will continue to focus on championing the excellence and skill of photographers and artists working in the medium. The organisation remains committed to exploring the impact of AI on image-making and welcomes further conversation on the subject.
