An AI-generated image won first place in Colorado State Fair’s digital art competition, and the news has drummed up frustrated reactions from folks online. Many are questioning what role artificial intelligence should play in art.
Video game developer Jason Allen is credited as the artist of the winning painting. Allen used an artificial intelligence program called Midjourney and spent 80 hours writing the descriptions used by the program.
Jason Allen used AI software Midjourney to create his piece titled Théâtre D’opéra Spatial
Allen says he told contest officials that his piece was created using AI, and the only relevant stipulation in the official guidelines of the competition was “digital technology as part of the creative or presentation process,” and didn’t prohibit artists from using AI.
However, both of the judges said they were unaware of Allen’s use of AI and they stand by their decisions in awarding him 1st place. They cite that the “story,” and “spirit it invokes,” remain true even though it was created using AI.
Some are pretty upset that an AI-generated image was even allowed in the competition going up against art created by human artists.
Some also worry about the role of the artist in the future and the impact AI technology will have on art and other industries
