Artificial intelligence in art brings tremendous possibilities, but it does not make an artist on its own. Vision, ethics, and critical thinking decide – without them, AI is just a random generator of pretty pictures.
AI in art: a tool, not a random generator
AI is increasingly widespread in artistic practice, especially where the classic process would be production-intensive and expensive. If we use it without a clear idea, it will make “anything” – exactly what we don’t want. The key is to have the final image in your head and be able to describe it: colors, shapes, composition, mood.
The author gives the example of an image of a dog, for which he specified the visual requirements precisely and then physically printed the piece in a large format. AI-generated images draw on vast databases of internet pictures, which raises questions about the origin of the sources used and copyright. It holds that the more data available about the subject (for example, about a famous person), the more faithful the result.
Ethics and open disclosure
A strong theme is transparency: a well-known case is a competition where the author, upon accepting the prize, admitted that the “photograph” was created with the help of AI. What matters is to state clearly that the work was made with technological assistance; otherwise we are operating in the realm of deception. In ethics there aren’t many compromises here – either we play fair or we don’t.
Perception of technologies is also influenced by generation: today’s “Alpha” is digital and can handle creating with AI easily, but often lacks manual fundamentals. Even so, visualization remains the foundation – we must first see a strong image in our head; AI only accelerates what would be difficult to produce. It’s like a guitar: a new instrument doesn’t make us a musician if craft and sensitivity are missing.
Critical thinking and recognizing AI creations
The internet is a marketplace of attention, so many images aim for quick impact. Without critical thinking we easily believe nonsense – for example, a “historical” photograph from a time when the camera didn’t yet exist. It helps to notice anachronisms, like a “Rubens-style” portrait with a modern zipper on jackets.
A simple rule is to look for an author, credit, and verification; if they’re missing, it’s suspicious. AI visuals will naturally take root in advertising, media, illustration, or mood boards, and alongside the disappearance of some professions, new ones will emerge. The technology can also serve sensitively – for example, in designing aids for clients with Alzheimer’s disease, such as a “bus stop” where they can wait safely.
