The term “AI art” can tend to be a barbed one. There are understandable – and in my view valid – ethical concerns surrounding AI-generated art, and the fact that many of the models which power the generative tools behind AI art are trained using copyrighted material often without the consent or compensation of the original artists. Indeed, when it comes to matters of copyright, David Holz, creator of Midjourney has shown scant regard for the concept when interviewed – and he is far from alone.
However, the flip side to this – and without wanting to get overly caught within convoluted ethical discussions – there is a case to be made for the fact that when used correctly, AI tools can be a useful means of enhancing an artist’s creativity; the use of algorithms and prompts to manipulate and build on pieces of and artist’s original pieces, enabling them to create something new – and possibly surprising.
Such considered, curated use can result in extraordinary art; and such is the case with I See People, an exhibition of original art by Duraya, now on display through March / April at the Kondor Art Club, curated by Hermes Kondor and forming part of the Kondor Arts hub.
This is a series of engaging studies of “people”, some drawn / painted by Duraya, others (I believe) photographs of her avatar. All have been subject to AI treatment at Duraya’s command to produce the finished result. All are rich in detail and – perhaps surprisingly to some – rich in emotion / sentiment.
When I first got in contact with AI I thought ‘huh, everyone can click around a bit to get fantastic results, what a cheat’. It’s true in a way. But if you learn to ‘tame the beast’ and understand how to ride it it’s a fantastic addition to creation like all the post procession devices.
My AI-edited pictures are all based on my own work, playing with prompts, settings and images until I get the result I want, thus accomplishing a mixture of reality and virtuality, sometimes with a little surprising twist.
– Duraya, discussing her AI-assisted art
These are genuinely individual pieces strong in narrative, presenting many aspects of the human condition – from the trials of life on the personal level: dealing with loneliness, our natural curiosity, the realities of aging, and so on; through to matters that might be seen as more global issues, worries and conditions that challenge us both individually and as a society. Their depth is further enhanced by the styles and approaches Duraya has employed to give them both a sense of of individuality as well as allowing them to be defined – in some cases – thematically as well.
And in returning to my opening comments, they might well help alter perceptions about the considered and restrained use of AI as a tool for creativity, rather than purely within those terms which leave us unable to see it as anything other than a negative influence.
SLurl Details
- Kondor Art Club (Royal Tea, rated Adult)
Inara Pey: Living in a Modemworld 