Thais Portilho

Should Christie’s cancel its AI art auction?

Star AI artist Refik Anadol (Getty images)

How do you define art? This centuries-old question is constantly brought back to the fore, particularly at times when artists find new ways to create. It was the case with the advent of photography in the 19th century – and it is the case with art where the process is aided or fully executed by AI models today.

It displays unforgivable ignorance of the innovative and fascinating ways these artists create with the use of new technology

Last week, auction house Christie’s caused a huge stir in art circles, after announcing on social media its first auction offering works exclusively created with AI. Leading the line-up of AI artists are Refik Anadol, Claire Silver, Pindar Van Arman, and Holly Herndon and Mat Dryhurst. It is expected the works of art going on auction will raise upwards of £600,000. 

What followed was an almost immediate reaction from more traditional artists in the form of a letter petitioning Christie’s to cancel the upcoming auction.

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in