As part of our ongoing series sharing expert contributions from our Luxury Insights Report on Art, AI, and the Future of Creativity, created in association with ArtTactic, we continue to explore how technology is reshaping the art world. Through these insights, we take a deeper look into AI’s role in artistic creation, its impact on the market, and the evolving relationship between tradition and innovation.
In this instalment, meet George Fox: a visionary artist blending AI with traditional techniques to push the boundaries of creativity. Read on as George reflects on AI’s influence on digital art, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and how artists can harness new tools while maintaining artistic integrity.
What role do you see for AI in the evolution of digital art, and how might this influence future trends in the art market?
The journey of creating original art is a profound privilege. For me, this journey begins with a sketchbook and a pencil. Rather than viewing a blank canvas as intimidating, it should be seen as an opportunity—a starting point from which images are formed, stories are told, and thought-provoking questions are raised.
Art is meant to be shared. Through galleries, exhibitions, commissions, and increasingly digital platforms, artists showcase their work and invite critique, conversation, and diverse opinions. These platforms open up new avenues for artists to connect with their audience and to foster dialogues around their creations.
Throughout history, art has often involved referencing, borrowing, or mimicking existing imagery.
Whether consciously or unconsciously, artists draw inspiration from the works of others, creating a continuous evolution of ideas. Each new piece adds another chapter to the artist's journey, contributing to the ever-expanding narrative of art.
The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and the evolution of digital art have sparked debates within the art community. Some argue that AI threatens traditional creativity, potentially undermining the value of 'traditional' techniques like ink on paper. Others contend that AI algorithms can enhance creativity by introducing new forms of expression that align with contemporary movements.
In my early years as an artist, I was a staunch traditionalist, focusing on ink on paper to create static illustrations. However, as I developed as an artist, I felt an unconscious desire for more. I began to wonder what would happen if my illustrations could evolve beyond their static forms.
Fast forward five years, and augmented reality (AR) started to gain traction in the art world. Tools and apps like Artivive enabled artists to transform their original works into 3D images, videos, mp3s, or animations that seemed to leap off the page.
The art world was evolving rapidly, and the possibilities seemed endless. Then came AI.
AI has exploded onto the scene with unprecedented demand, revolutionising the tools, computers, and platforms we use. This sudden evolution has surprised many within the art world, who question whether algorithms have a place in this creative space. Some fear that the rise of AI signals the death of art as we know it.
However, this is not the end of art; it is simply a new chapter. AI is not a threat but an exciting development that offers new opportunities for artists and the art community. Rather than being intimidated by this change, we should embrace it as a privilege and an opportunity to innovate.
I am not advocating for the abandonment of traditional art forms - quite the opposite. AI has an incredibly exciting role to play alongside traditional methods. It represents the next phase in the evolution of digital art, much like how art appropriation has evolved and been recontextualised throughout history.
As artists, we seek to connect with others within our community. We create not for computers, but for humans. The role of AI, therefore, should be to interpret the world through the eyes of the artist, presenting art in new forms.
When used positively and within controlled environments, AI can play a crucial role in the next chapter of the art market.
Art has always been a space for questioning and exploration, and AI is no different. It is a trend that will naturally evolve within the industry. The recent frenzy over NFT collections, despite some missteps, shows that experimentation and learning are essential components of artistic growth.
The challenge lies in how to maintain control over intellectual property (IP) rights for individual artists. While there is no shortage of platforms that create stunning digital artworks, these often come at the expense of the original creators. Moving forward, there must be a shift away from unrestricted use of imagery by these platforms to a more regulated approach that respects the artist's rights.
Just as the music industry moved from a culture of piracy to a more controlled environment with platforms like Spotify, the art world can adopt similar models. Although not perfect, such platforms offer a way to manage use and compensation effectively.
One potential solution is to develop a model where artists have control over how their work is used by AI. This wouldn’t be a traditional contract but rather a system where artists grant permission for AI to access and manipulate their original art within defined limits. Such a model would ensure that the artist retains creative ownership and benefits commercially from their work.
By establishing a robust commercial framework, both artists and art buyers can enjoy and benefit from original, evolved pieces of art.
This approach not only preserves the integrity of the artist's vision but also embraces the exciting possibilities that AI brings to the art world.
