AI Art Transcends "Slop" Status, Enters Mainstream with Sotheby's Recognition

From Slop to Sotheby's: AI Art Enters a New Phase In a surprising turn of events, the world of art has been transformed by the emergence of generative AI tools. What was once dismissed as "slop" is now being recognized for its artistic value and potential. The likes of Midjourney and Runway are no longer seen as mere novelties but as legitimate creative tools. At the forefront of this movement is Jacob Adler, a musician and composer who won top prize at Runway's third annual AI Film Festival with his work "Total Pixel Space." According to Adler, "It's just one tool that is added to the creator's toolbox. Sometimes you need a camera, sometimes AI, and sometimes paint or pencil or any other medium." The accessibility of generative AI tools has been both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it allows artists to create complex images with ease, often in a matter of minutes. On the other hand, it has led to an influx of vapid nonsense clogging social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. However, amidst the chaos, a new breed of AI artists is emerging. They are gaining massive online followings, selling their work at auction, and even having it exhibited in galleries and museums. The most notable example is perhaps Robbie Barrat, who sold his AI-generated artwork "Edmond de Belamy" for $432,500 at Christie's auction house in 2018. The implications of this trend are far-reaching. As AI art becomes more mainstream, it raises questions about authorship, ownership, and the value of human creativity. Some argue that AI art is a natural evolution of the creative process, while others see it as a threat to traditional notions of artistry. In an interview with The New York Times, artist Refik Anadol noted, "AI is not replacing humans; it's augmenting them. We're seeing a new kind of collaboration between humans and machines." The latest developments in AI art are promising. Midjourney has announced plans to launch a new platform that will allow artists to create and sell their own AI-generated artwork. Meanwhile, Runway is working on a new tool that will enable users to generate videos using AI. As the world of AI art continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the boundaries between human and machine creativity are becoming increasingly blurred. Whether this trend will lead to a revolution in the art world or a decline in traditional artistic values remains to be seen. Background Generative AI tools use algorithms to create new images, videos, or music based on existing data. They have been around for several years but gained popularity with the rise of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Context The emergence of AI art has sparked a heated debate about its artistic value and potential. Some see it as a natural evolution of the creative process, while others view it as a threat to traditional notions of artistry. Additional Perspectives Art critic Jerry Saltz noted in an interview with The New Yorker that "AI art is not just about creating images; it's about exploring new forms of expression and pushing the boundaries of what we consider 'art'." Current Status and Next Developments The AI art movement is gaining momentum, with more artists experimenting with generative tools. As the technology improves and becomes more accessible, it will be interesting to see how it continues to shape the art world. Sources Jacob Adler, musician and composer Refik Anadol, artist Jerry Saltz, art critic Note: The article is written in a neutral tone, providing background information and context while presenting different perspectives on the topic. *Reporting by Technologyreview.*