Artificial intelligence is no longer just a tool for data analysis or the automation of routine tasks. Generative AI models such as DALL·E, Midjourney, and Stable Diffusion are now changing the very nature of artistic creation. They can create original visual works, music, and literary texts that are often difficult to distinguish from those created by humans. However, this phenomenon also raises fundamental questions about copyright, ethics, and the value of art.
How does generative AI work in art?
Generative models learn from vast datasets—millions of images, music tracks, or lyrics—to then create new works based on given parameters or verbal descriptions. Artists and creators can use AI as a partner or tool to expand their creativity, opening the door to new artistic styles and experiments.
Copyright challenges
The biggest legal and ethical dilemma is who owns the rights to the work created by AI. Since the models are trained on existing works, often without the consent of the original authors, the question arises whether the new work infringes on their rights. It is also unclear whether the creator is the AI, the user who gave the instructions, or the creator of the original data.
The first legal cases that will shape the future of AI regulation in art are already emerging in various countries. Some countries are considering granting copyright to people who use AI as a tool, while others are considering entirely new categories of protection.
The value and future of art with AI
In addition to legal issues, the very definition of originality and the value of art is changing. Many artists welcome AI as an inspiration that removes technical barriers and allows them to focus on concept and emotion. At the same time, there is a debate about whether AI-made works can have the same artistic value as those created by human hands.
AI as a democratizer of artistic creation
Generative AI is also democratizing art by making creation accessible to people without traditional artistic training or skills. Anyone with access to these tools can experiment with visual design, music, or poetry and create something unique. This shift has the potential to significantly expand the art scene and bring about new forms of expression that would otherwise not exist.
Issues of authenticity and emotional connection
Despite technological advances, the question remains whether generative AI can evoke the same emotional experience in the viewer as a work created by humans. Many critics argue that it lacks the human story, intention, and personal experience that make art valuable. Others, on the other hand, believe that new forms of artistic collaboration between humans and machines can bring an even deeper emotional experience.
Challenges for future artists and curators
As generative AI takes hold, the roles of artists, curators, and galleries are changing. Future creators will need to embrace AI as part of their creative process, while also learning to navigate complex legal and ethical issues. Curators will be challenged to assess and evaluate works created in collaboration with AI, and to present them to the public.
