2024/11/11 by Anthony Cross · 1 voice · 13 citations
Computer Science · Psychology · Social Sciences · #Aesthetics #Agency (philosophy) #Art #Artificial intelligence #Computer science #Ethics and Social Impacts of AI #Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) #Participant observation #Psychology #Social science #Sociology #Visual arts
paper · open access · doi:10.1093/aesthj/ayae055
published in The British Journal of Aesthetics 65(4), 535-551 (Oxford University Press)
openalex publication_date 2024/11/11 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
Abstract Artificial intelligence is now capable of generating sophisticated and compelling images from simple text prompts. In this paper, I focus specifically on how artists might make use of AI to create art. Most existing discourse analogizes AI to a tool or collaborator; this focuses our attention on AI’s contribution to the production of an artistically significant output. I propose an alternative approach, the exploration paradigm, which suggests that artists instead relate to AI as a participant: artists create a space for interaction with the AI algorithm by way of their prompts, thereby allowing them to explore the way that the algorithm ‘sees’ and ‘represents’. AI art practised in this fashion bears a striking resemblance to contemporary conceptual and participatory art. Viewing AI art in this way has implications for the appreciation of style in AI art; concerns about novelty and originality; and the assignment of artistic credit and copyright.