As an artist with a computer science degree, I’m fascinated by the development of AI art. I have played with various generative AI tools, studied white papers on generative AI algorithms, and experimented with AI art using code written with OpenAI APIs. Although I agree that AI art still has many limitations, there are many misunderstandings about what AI art is and what it can do. In this post, I will explore ten common misunderstandings about AI art and why they are incorrect.

1. AI art is completely autonomous Many people believe that AI art is entirely autonomous and does not require human input. While it's true that AI algorithms can generate artwork without direct human input, the artist still plays an essential role in designing and training the algorithm and selecting the output that best aligns with their creative vision. For example, earlier Midjourney versions cannot accurately draw human hands despite being trained on the enormous data set, it took special training to improve it and it is much better in the latest version.

2. AI art is just random output Another misconception is that AI-generated artwork is random and lacks creative intent or direction. While AI algorithms can produce a vast number of output variations, the artist still provides the direction and purpose behind the artwork's creation. In fact, different prompts could result in drastically different results, and fine-tuning an image might take more time and effort to achieve an artist’s vision.

3. AI art is not art Some people argue that AI-generated artwork cannot be considered true art because it lacks the intention and emotion associated with human creativity. However, this view overlooks the fact that AI art can still convey meaning, symbolism, and aesthetic beauty, and it can also challenge traditional notions of authorship and creativity because AI art took input from human beings and is created under human instructions.

4. AI art is a threat to human creativity There is a concern that AI-generated artwork could replace human artists and diminish the value of human creativity. However, AI art should be viewed as a complementary tool to help artists explore new creative possibilities and push the boundaries of traditional art forms.

5. AI art is easy to create There is a perception that AI-generated artwork is easy to create, and anyone can produce it with minimal effort. However, creating high-quality AI art requires a deep understanding of AI algorithms, technical skills, and artistic vision.

6. AI art lacks creativity One of the biggest misunderstandings about AI art is that it lacks creativity. Critics argue that since AI algorithms are programmed to create based on existing data, they can never be creative. However, this overlooks the fact that AI can generate unique and unexpected results that even the programmer may not have foreseen. Additionally, AI art can inspire human artists to explore new creative avenues and techniques.

7. AI art is unethical Some argue that AI-generated artwork is unethical because it exploits the labor of machines and devalues human creativity. However, this argument overlooks the fact that AI art is still created and directed by humans, and it can serve as a tool for exploring new creative possibilities and pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms.

8. AI art is a novelty Some people view AI-generated artwork as a passing novelty that lacks any long-term artistic or cultural significance. However, AI art is a rapidly evolving field with the potential to transform how we create, consume, and understand art.

9. AI art is all the same There is a perception that AI-generated artwork is all the same and lacks the diversity and individuality associated with human creativity. However, AI algorithms can be trained to produce an almost infinite variety of output variations, and artists can use AI as a tool to explore new creative possibilities and push the boundaries of traditional art forms.

10. AI art is a gimmick Finally, some people view AI-generated artwork as a gimmick, designed to generate buzz and media attention rather than to create meaningful art. However, AI art should be viewed as a new and exciting tool for artists to create complex and thought-provoking artwork that challenges traditional notions of creativity and authorship.

In conclusion, AI art is a rapidly evolving field with the potential to transform how we create, consume, and understand art. I believe that we can collaborate with AI to elevate human creativity to the next level.