Generative AI tools are notably accessible, allowing users with minimal training to create images in various styles quickly. This ease of use has prompted discussion about the implications for artistic expression and the creative industries. Critics argue that the proliferation of AI-generated art could lead to a saturation of lower-quality content on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Additionally, there is concern that businesses may opt to generate images using AI instead of employing professional artists.
Henry Daubrez, an artist and designer whose AI-generated visuals for a bitcoin NFT sold for $24,000 at Sotheby’s, views this accessibility as a significant benefit. He notes that generative AI allows individuals who may have previously felt discouraged from expressing creativity to participate in the art-making process. However, Daubrez cautions against assuming that generative AI will universally lead to a surge in artistic talent. While the tools themselves may be easy to use, generating compelling and aesthetically pleasing results still requires imagination and artistic judgement.
For some, like trained fine artist Beth Frey, AI tools serve as more than just a means of creation; they offer a unique artistic experience that evolves with the technology. Frey, who used to share AI art on her Instagram account, finds that as AI tools improve, they lose the “uncanny” quality that initially attracted her. This shift has led her to decrease her contributions of AI-generated content.
Similarly, Kira Xonorika, whose short film Trickster is the first generative AI piece in the Denver Art Museum’s permanent collection, embraces the unpredictability of working with AI. This lack of control can enhance creativity, allowing for the exploration of complex themes such as nonhuman intelligence.
Despite the potential benefits of AI in art, the acceptance of AI as a legitimate artistic medium remains uneven. Many still equate “AI art” with inferior work, leading to mixed reactions from artists pioneering this new form.
Source: https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/17/1125193/ai-art-artist-new-chapter/