Curating AI Art: changing the practices of the gatekeepers
Art has always been a reflection of the times, and as technology advances, so does the medium of artistic expression. Artificial intelligence (AI) has opened up new doors in the art world, creating a whole new genre of AI-generated art. This leads to challenges when it comes to curating and exhibiting these works. In this post, we’ll explore the challenges faced by curators and art institutions in adapting to this new frontier and how it challenges traditional approaches to curating and exhibiting art.
The Rise of AI Art
AI art has been gaining momentum in recent years, with artists and programmers collaborating to create stunning and thought-provoking pieces. These works often involve the use of machine learning algorithms that can analyze and learn from vast amounts of data to create entirely new images, sounds, or installations.
One of the most significant milestones in AI art was the sale of the artwork Portrait of Edmond de Belamy by the French art collective Obvious, which was created using an AI algorithm. The piece sold for an astonishing $432,500 at auction in 2018, sparking a surge of interest in the field.
Challenges in Curating AI Art
As AI art becomes more prominent, curators and art institutions are facing new challenges in adapting to this emerging genre. Some of the most pressing issues include:
Authorship and Attribution
One of the primary challenges faced by curators is determining the authorship and attribution of AI-generated art. Traditional art is typically created by a single artist or a group of artists, making attribution relatively straightforward. However, AI-generated art often involves collaboration between artists, programmers, and even the AI itself, raising questions about who should be credited for the final piece.
Authenticity and Originality
With traditional art, curators can often rely on provenance and expert analysis to establish the authenticity and originality of a piece. However, AI-generated art can be easily replicated or modified, making it difficult to ascertain whether a piece is an original or a copy. This challenge raises questions about the value and significance of AI-generated art, and how it should be preserved and displayed.
Ethical Considerations
AI-generated art has also raised ethical debates surrounding the use of personal data and privacy. Many AI algorithms rely on vast amounts of data, some of which may be sourced from individuals without their consent. As a result, curators must navigate the murky waters of data privacy and consider the ethical implications of displaying AI-generated art.
Adapting Traditional Curatorial Approaches
To face these unique challenges, curators and art institutions must adapt their traditional approaches to curating and exhibiting art. Some possible solutions include:
Collaboration and Transparency
In the world of AI art, collaboration between artists, programmers, and curators is essential. By working together, they can address issues of authorship, attribution, and authenticity more effectively. Additionally, transparent communication about the creative process and the technologies used can help demystify AI art for the public and foster a better understanding of this emerging genre.
Establishing New Guidelines and Best Practices
As AI art becomes more mainstream, the art world must develop new guidelines and best practices for curating and exhibiting these works. This may involve creating new standards for attribution, developing methods to authenticate AI-generated art, and addressing ethical concerns related to data privacy.
Embracing Digital Exhibition Spaces
AI-generated art is inherently digital, and therefore, traditional physical exhibition spaces may not always be the most suitable platform for displaying these works. By embracing digital exhibition spaces, curators can showcase AI art in its native environment and reach a broader audience. This approach can also help overcome issues related to the replication and preservation of AI-generated art.
AI art presents a new frontier in the art world, and with it comes a host of challenges for curators and art institutions. By adapting traditional approaches to curating and exhibiting art, embracing collaboration and transparency, and developing new guidelines and best practices, the art world can successfully navigate this emerging genre and continue to push the boundaries of artistic expression.
