In a scathing critique of the burgeoning world of artificial intelligence-generated art, renowned Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei has asserted that art easily replicated by AI is “meaningless.” The provocative statement comes amidst a heated debate surrounding AIs utilizing scraped data from artists’ websites to produce images purportedly in the style of renowned creators.
Several class-action lawsuits in the United States have drawn attention, with artists discovering thousands of images created by AIs using their work without permission. Ai Weiwei dismissively commented, “That’s not a problem. I think that kind of art should [have died] a long time ago,” as he questioned the validity of art teaching centred on producing “realistic” images, considering AI’s ability to replicate them almost instantly.
The dissident artist went further, suggesting that even legendary figures like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse would have reconsidered their artistic approach if AI had been present in their era. Ai Weiwei contended, “It’d be just impossible for them to still think [the same way].”
Undeterred by the rise of artificial intelligence, Ai Weiwei announced his next project, a collaboration with an AI named “Ai vs AI.” The project involves both himself and the AI answering a set of 81 questions over 81 days. The questions, ranging from the endurance of love and hate to the guilt of Edward Snowden, will be projected on prominent screens worldwide, including Piccadilly Circus, and the answers will be subsequently posted online.
Describing the project as “a bit of fun,” Ai Weiwei likened it to throwing a pebble across a pond to observe the ripple effect. However, he cautioned about the potential dangers of an overly powerful and globally relied-upon artificial intelligence. Drawing parallels to historical events, he expressed concerns that an AI-dominated society might resemble the totalitarian ideologies of the Third Reich or the Cultural Revolution in China.
Ai Weiwei, born in Beijing in 1957, has been an outspoken critic of the Chinese authorities throughout his career. Raised in labour camps after his father’s exile, the dissident artist is no stranger to challenging the status quo. His recent involvement in a controversy over free speech and the Israel-Gaza conflict led to the indefinite postponement of his exhibition by the Lisson Gallery.
Reflecting on his role as an artist, Ai Weiwei emphasized the responsibility to ask difficult questions and challenge the powerful. Despite facing backlash for his outspoken views, he asserted, “My mission is about asking questions and not massaging the powerful, not to make them feel comfortable. I’m undertaking a dangerous mission, and so far, I’m still alive.”
As technology continues to reshape the landscape of artistic creation, Ai Weiwei’s critique serves as a thought-provoking contribution to the ongoing dialogue on the intersection of art and artificial intelligence.