The portrait depicts the British mathematician Alan Turing as the god of artificial intelligence. Its creator is a robot named Ai-Da that resembles a woman with a bob haircut.

A portrait of Alan Turing created by Ai-Da, an AI-powered humanoid robot designed by Aidan Meller, recently sold at Sotheby’s for nearly $1.1 million, greatly surpassing initial estimates of $120,000 to $180,000. Ai-Da, named after 19th-century mathematician Ada Lovelace, was programmed to paint Turing as a visionary in artificial intelligence, blending 15 interpretations of his likeness into one composite piece with the help of a 3-D printer and studio assistants. This record-setting sale follows similar high-value AI art auctions and reflects a broader trend where technology reshapes the role and definition of artists. Proceeds will be reinvested in Ai-Da’s development as the project aims to challenge perceptions of creativity, agency, and ethics in the digital era.

My Take

The sale of Ai-Da’s artwork challenges traditional definitions of artistry, suggesting that creativity and innovation can originate from machines and humans. This development opens ethical conversations about the ownership, authenticity, and value of AI-generated art in society. The high demand and value placed on such artwork hint at a growing acceptance of AI as a cultural contributor. As AI evolves, its impact on art and creativity will redefine how we understand and value human versus machine-created work. I am fascinated by Humanoid robots and art. I am working on two novels about AI and humanoid robots. I am an AI and robot fan. See the one-minute YouTube video below. I love it!

Video of Ai-Da (1 min):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KawaK_PlGbc

#AIArt #DigitalTransformation #ArtificialIntelligence #AlanTuring #Sothebys #AdaLovelace #Innovation #TechEthics #FutureOfArt

Link to article:

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/08/arts/ai-painting-alan-turing-auction.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

Credit: New York Times