Christie's AI Art Auction: Controversy and Reactions

Christie’s to Host First AI-Dedicated Art Exhibition

Christie’s, a renowned fine art auction house, has previously facilitated the sale of art generated through artificial intelligence. However, the company is now preparing to launch its inaugural exhibition exclusively showcasing pieces created with AI technology, a decision that has sparked a diverse range of reactions.

“Augmented Intelligence” Auction Details

The upcoming auction, titled “Augmented Intelligence,” will present artwork from various artists, including Mat Dryhurst, who also founded the AI startup Spawning AI. A robotic artist capable of live painting will serve as the central attraction during the exhibition.

The event is scheduled to take place at Christie’s galleries located in Rockefeller Center, New York, commencing on February 20th.

Concerns Regarding AI Training Data

Social media users promptly highlighted the fact that numerous generative AI art tools were developed using artists’ existing work without obtaining their consent. Detractors contend that exhibitions such as “Augmented Intelligence” elevate this practice, potentially diminishing the recognition of artists who create work manually.

Petition to Cancel the Auction

An open letter calling for the cancellation of the auction is currently circulating and gaining traction. Within less than a day, it has amassed over 1,800 signatures.

Christie’s Response

A Christie’s spokesperson stated that the artists featured in the sale possess established and diverse artistic backgrounds, with some already represented in prominent museum collections.

The spokesperson further explained that the artworks utilize artificial intelligence to complement their existing creative processes. In many instances, AI is being implemented under controlled conditions, utilizing data specifically trained on the artists’ own contributions.

Note: This article has been updated to include a statement provided by Christie’s.