Is There Heart in AI Art?

Otomys explores the emotional landscape of creativity in the age of Artificial Intelligence.

October 2, 2024

The Otomys team recently attended the Annual NGVWA Lecture, "ARTificial," where Australian contemporary artist Sam Leach shared insights into his use of AI.

Sam Leach has incorporated specially developed AI software as a central creative force in his artistic practice since 2019. His latest series integrates machine learning and artificial intelligence, merging the themes and techniques of painting with futuristic mechanics and perspectives. Sam’s works are part of numerous private and public collections in Australia and internationally. In 2010 he received both the Wynne and Archibald Prizes at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

AI (Artificial Intelligence) retrieves an answer from structured data whereas Gen AI (Generative AI) creates an answer with human accuracy, diction and uniqueness (eg Chat GTP). It is the Gen AI which is the most fascinating disruptor in the art and design world, with the potential to negatively impact the livelihoods of artists and creators.

The lecture provoked further conversations with friends, family and colleagues; it's a fascinating, exciting, polarising topic so here we aim to share our thoughts and engage with several members of the art and design industry to hear their perspectives.
Megan Dicks
Founding Director of Otomys
In an era where technology continually reshapes our creative landscapes, the emergence of generative AI in art has sparked discussions about the essence of creativity itself. As Megan Dicks aptly puts it, "As the dialogue around AI art evolves, it prompts essential questions about authenticity, emotional resonance, and the future of artistic expression. While Gen AI may enhance and support the creative process, offering creatives multiple horizons, the Heart of Art - that unique human expression - will remain irreplaceable".

This perspective highlights the dual role of AI as both a tool for enhancement and a catalyst for deeper inquiries about the nature of creativity. As we navigate this complex landscape, we must recognise that “Gen AI will augment our intelligence, and we in turn will learn how to collaborate with it.” Fundamentally, it’s crucial to ensure that the future of art reflects not just innovation but also the rich tapestry of human emotion and narrative that defines our humanity.
Alexandra Brownlow
Vice President NGVWA, Managing Director at Brownlow Design
In the ever-evolving world of design, Alexandra Brownlow articulates a philosophy that prioritises individuality and narrative in our living spaces. Alexandra asserts, “In our world of interior design & decoration, we strive for personality & character; hand crafted rather than manufactured, telling a story of the people who use or inhabit the spaces we create”. This approach emphasises the importance of uniqueness, whether in entire rooms, individual pieces of furniture, or decorative objects.

“Going forward, Gen AI will support our practice by allowing us more time to explore the relationships with our clients & the way they live.This harmonious blend of technology and artistry promises to deepen our connections with clients, ensuring that every space is a true reflection of its inhabitants”.
Dapeng Liu
Artist
In the discussion about technology's role in art, artist Dapeng Liu distinguishes between human creativity and AI-generated works. He states, “AI generates art by learning and identifying patterns... In contrast, the human creative process is an unquantifiable, deeply personal experience.”

Dapeng emphasises the emotional depth of human art, asserting, “I doubt that the emotion evoked by human-made art can ever be matched by those of Gen AI.” His insights prompt us to reflect on the value of human expression in a tech-driven world.
Ben Hutton
Architect at Chris Connell Design
As the debate over 'heart' in AI-generated art unfolds, Ben Hutton offers a thoughtful perspective. He acknowledges the thrilling yet intimidating potential of AI, stating, "The seemingly limitless potential of AI is equally daunting as it is exciting and will dramatically transform the landscape of creative industries."

Hutton sees AI as a collaborator that enhances human creativity. He believes that "in art or any creative expression, there is no replacement for lived experience and human inspiration." His reflections encourage us to explore the interplay between technology and humanity, affirming that the heart of art is irreplaceable.
Sam Leach
Artist
Speaking to ArtsHub Australia, artist Sam Leach explains, “The process I use draws on a data set comprising images of my previous works. Initially, my goal was to ask it what I should paint next, and have it as a logical progression of what my previous paintings were”. Sam claims that AI software has fundamentally transformed his artistic approach, granting him unparalleled mental clarity. “It just means instead of coming into the studio each day and scratching my head and doing all that cognitive work about what I’m going to paint, I can just get on with the painting.”
The integration of Artificial Intelligence in art brings both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. Artists like Sam Leach use Gen AI to enhance their creative processes, gaining clarity and efficiency. However, voices like Dapeng Liu emphasize the emotional depth of human artistry, underscoring the key differences between human creativity and Gen AI-generated works.

Let’s be cautious and brave but remind ourselves of the great painter J M W Turner’s response to the camera: In one of the first presentations of the Daguerrotype in 1839, Turner said:

"This is the end of Art. I am glad I have had my day”

(Aaron Hertzmann Blog, 2022)
More from Otomys