Identity-less Artificial Intelligence artists

It is said, ‘art reflects culture,’ and if that indeed is true, then perhaps artificially generated art is a reflection of today’s digital online culture.  In this special edition themed ‘identity’, we decided to feature a unique kind of artwork on the cover, one created by a ‘currently’ nameless artificial intelligence (AI) artist. But I believe very soon that will change, and some AI will have names and their own identity. I wouldn’t be surprised if some become famous!

I created the art featured here with Midjourney, an AI program that turns lines of text into dynamic graphics. Each piece is so unique, so multi-layered, I found myself getting addicted to this creative process.  On the website, it states that “Midjourney is an independent research lab exploring new mediums of thought and expanding the imaginative powers of the human species. We are a small self-funded team focused on design, human infrastructure, and AI.”

I couldn’t believe the creative results of a few keywords typed in. Enigmatic, curious and mysterious. There are communities and a whole world out there creating, selling, exhibiting, and discussing the works and talents of AI generated products; even motivational quotes!

The debate continues on what exactly is AI and if it has a soul? There was a discussion a few years ago at the EU to grant robots human rights, including a form of “electronic personhood” to ensure rights and responsibilities for the most capable AI. 

This innovative world has long been around. More than500 years before the invention of computers or AI, Leonardo da Vinci created the ‘robotic knight’, a humanoid robot able to wave its arms, sit down and even open and close its mouth. Who knows how far that would have evolved if it was produced back then? 

AI remains a fascinating area, one that will continue to grow and touch our lives via various channels. They have curated, they have created art ( and even novels!) and I wouldn’t be surprised if they did indeed one day take over the world, as warned by the late Stephen Hawking: “It will either be the best thing that's ever happened to us, or it will be the worst thing. If we're not careful, it very well may be the last thing…”