THE world of visual arts is no exception in the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI). AI technologies have significantly transformed the creation, appreciation and distribution of visual arts.

Over the years, AI has developed capabilities that not only enhanced the artistic process but also challenged traditional art.

One of the most talked about AI technology is Generative Art. Generative algorithms, such as Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and Variational Autoencoders (VAEs), can create entirely new artworks based on existing ones or generate novel designs. These algorithms have pushed the boundaries of creativity, producing often surreal, imaginative and unpredictable art.

AI tools, like deep neural networks, also assist artists in generating ideas, exploring different styles, and experimenting with new techniques. They act as creative partners, helping artists push their boundaries and discover new possibilities.

Some artists also use AI for art restoration and preservation. AI powered image analysis and restoration techniques help conservators identify and repair damage while maintaining the original aesthetic of the piece.

Meanwhile, AI driven platforms allow users to create personalized art by inputting their preferences, such as color schemes, styles and themes. This customization enhances the connection between art and its audience.

Not only does AI assist in creating art, but the technology can also help in art market predictions. AI algorithms analyze market trends, pricing data and collector behavior to make predictions about the art market. This assists artists, collectors and investors in making informed decisions.

But arguably, the most significant AI contribution to the visual art world is enhancing museum and gallery experiences. AI-enhanced virtual tours and interactive exhibits in museums and galleries provide visitors with immersive and educational backgrounds. These technologies allow for a deeper understanding of artworks and their historical context.

With these options that artists have at hand, the global art scene has witnessed a proliferation of AI driven artworks and initiatives.

As early as 2018, “Portrait of Edmond Belamy” by Paris-based art collective Obvious, made headlines when it was sold for $432,500 at an auction.

Observers said this challenged traditional notions of authorship and value in art.

Various competitions and exhibitions exclusively dedicated to AI generated art have also emerged, fostering a community of AI artists and researchers. One notable event is the annual “Art + AI” competition held by The Art and AI Laboratory.

Leading museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the British Museum have adopted AI technologies to improve visitor experiences, providing Augmented Reality (AR) tours and digital exhibitions.

Finally, AI tools like DeepDream and Runway ML have become popular among artists, enabling them to incorporate AI generated elements into their works or generate entirely AI driven pieces.

In the Philippines, AI’s impact on the visual arts is gradually taking shape, with several noteworthy developments.

Filipino artists are increasingly experimenting with AI tools to augment their creative processes. These artists often blend traditional techniques with AI-generated elements, creating unique and captivating artworks.

Some galleries and cultural institutions are exploring AI driven installations and exhibitions to engage audiences innovatively.

One of them is the traveling exhibit currently running in the Philippines — “Wisdom of Da Vinci: An Immersive AI Experience.”

Together with the new media studio Ouchhh and its proprietary machine learning program, visual art installations are created based on data collected from multiple sources, effectively transforming science into art.

While AI has brought significant advancements to the world of visual arts, it also raises particular challenges and ethical questions.

Spanish illustrator Amy Stelladia, whose works include Disney animations, has been one of the vocal critics of AI in the art world.

A report from thedailybeast.com said Stelladia was one of the artists whose works were “scraped from the web by a bot” that would be used to train AI models. This could mean that an AI produced work might take styles from different artists and pass it off as original work.

In an exclusive interview with the same site, the artist pointed out the problem with this model.

“They are meant to compete with our own work, using pieces and conscious decisions made by artists but purged from all that context and meaning. It just feels wrong to use people’s life work without consent, to build something that can take work opportunities away.”

Stelladia and other artists’ concerns include copyright, authorship, biases in AI algorithms and the potential devaluation of human creativity.

It is, therefore, crucial for artists, institutions and policymakers to navigate these issues responsibly.