With the coming of new technological advancements, two namely being AI Bots and Augmented Reality, many have been split over the influence and effects of tech in the art realm. While previously, many artists have been stepping into the digital space and pursuing their creative endeavors on sites like Procreate and Canva, new technology poses the possibility of endless options for art while also threatening the livelihood of artists and creators. Many are torn apart over the controversial opinion of using newer technology methods for arts.
While Augmented Reality may not be as controversial a topic for many in the art community, AI seems to pose a massive threat to aspiring artists and creators. In order to grasp the full scope of the issue, it is important to understand how AI works. Through repetitive learning and absorbing information from data across the web, AI takes information from a variety of places in order to give the user a response. This response isn’t limited to just written language, as many AI’s have also been created for the use of image generation. This brings concern to many artists who make a living off of art, as AI can effortlessly generate complex and detailed art pieces in seconds. Another concern that many people have is that the copyright that AI could be violating. As stated previously, AI learns through absorbing data from across the web, so the art that AI generates must be influenced/taken from a human artist. Many view this as stealing artwork, and many more refuse to acknowledge AI art as “real art.” Along with this, AI devalues art pieces by making them easy to create and cheap to obtain, possibly putting artists and creators out of business.
Although the Augmented Reality space in art is less controversial than conversations about AI, there are still some complaints that people hold in regards to this topic. Many complain that creating art in this way is privileged, and not accessible to the general public because of the high tech that it uses to function. Another issue with augmented reality is the concern of data breaches and loss of privacy. However this claim can be heavily applicable to all forms of technology, and is not just limited to AR technology. One of the most prevalent issues when using any sort of technology as art is the idea that it is “cheating” to seek help from pre-created brushes, filters, and effects that are built into the program. Some feel like this means there can be a lack of skill in the artist, while others believe that these tools can only enhance an artist’s natural abilities.
There are many criticisms concerning AI and Augmented Reality and their place in the world of art. However, these methods still manage to create beautiful pieces and undoubtedly offer a new experience for the consumer. AI artbots like DeepAI and Imagine. Art are tools that create beautiful images which don’t require hours and thousands of dollars to obtain.
Although many artists oppose it, a minority group agree that it helps to inspire them with ideas and gives them a new outlook on things. Some people are now taking on the new hobby of being an “AI Artists,” mastering the art of entering prompts and feeding AI images that create a work they think of as their own.
Augmented reality offers many pieces, such as walk-through exhibits, extensions of physical art pieces into the virtual world, and so much more. Well known AR artists include women like Yunen Ezpara and Susi Vetters who both use AR to create virtual worlds that viewers can immerse themselves in.
Through Augmented Reality, these artists create virtual spaces to showcase their abilities and showcase their work in a new light. Ezpara is known for her unique style and her use of AR adding to the complexity of her art. Vetters is known for her simple doodles in the AR realm, as well as collage-style interactive scenes that she builds in virtual reality.
While the issue of technology and art still remains at large, it is important to stay educated and create your own opinions on this topic. As an avid enjoyer of the arts but simultaneously a lover of coding and AI, it is hard to take a stance on this topic because of the multifaceted nature of the claims. It is important to acknowledge the good and bad effects of technologies on art. It is my hope that in the future, we find a way to harness the full potential of AI while also safeguarding the values and human aspect of art.
Works Cited
Images courtesy of Yunuene, SusiVetterart, and Tidio
Hamilton, Karen E. Criticisms of Augmented Reality, http://www.k3hamilton.com/AR/Criticisms.html. Accessed 9 July 2024.
“7 Ar Artists Who Are Raising the Bar for Augmented Reality Art.” Basa Studio, basa-studio.com/stories/7-AR-artists-who-are-raising-the-bar. Accessed 9 July 2024.
About the author:
Hello! My name is Ariana, and I am a rising senior in Hawaii. I plan to major in Comp. Sci, but I have always loved writing and creating for things that I am passionate about. I am constantly inspired by researching people and ideas that impact the world today.
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