As AI continues to disrupt and reshape the creative industries, few voices bring as nuanced and informed a perspective as Dr Shirley Mueller, collector, author, and expert in the neuropsychology of collecting.
In the latest contribution to our Luxury Insights Report into Art, AI and the Future of Creativity, Dr Mueller explores the complex implications of AI for both the art market and the collector’s mindset...
Benefits of AI in Art Creation
AI technology offers substantial benefits in art creation, especially in assisting artists with tasks that would otherwise be physically demanding. For example, a sculptor who wants to create a piece larger than herself can use an AI robot programmed to assist with the job. This collaboration allows the artist to achieve her vision without being limited by physical constraints. An example of this is the work of Sougwen Chung, who uses AI robotic arms to create intricate sculptures and installations. Her work blurs the lines between human and machine, emphasizing AI's collaborative potential in art.
AI in Authenticity Verification
Another intriguing application of AI is in identifying counterfeit artworks. On May 9th, 2024, a headline on Art News read, “Fake ‘Monet’ and ‘Renoir’ on eBay Among 40 Supposedly Counterfeit Paintings Identified Using AI.” Dr. Carina Popovici, CEO and co-founder of the Swiss firm Art Recognition, led the investigative work. In an interview with The Guardian, she stated, "I’m sure that this is just the tip of the iceberg." This demonstrates AI's potential in safeguarding the art market by distinguishing genuine pieces from forgeries.
Risks of Deception with AI
However, AI can also be used to produce art intended to deceive. If AI-generated art is not explicitly labeled as such, it can mislead buyers into believing it is human-made. Clint Rose, a professional wood carver, shares his experience regarding fakes on YouTube, highlighting the challenges posed by deceptive practices.
Human Preference for Human-Created Art
Research indicates that humans tend to prefer art created by human hands and hearts. A study by Bellaiche and colleagues in 2023, titled “Humans versus AI: Whether and Why We Prefer Human-Created Compared to AI-Created Artwork,” explored this phenomenon. They found a clear bias against AI-created artworks compared to those believed to be made by humans. This preference is rooted in the perception that human-created art involves emotional and cognitive processes that resonate more deeply with viewers.
AI's impact on art and collecting is complex and multifaceted. While AI offers significant benefits in assisting artists and verifying authenticity, it also poses risks of deception and challenges traditional notions of value and authenticity. As we navigate these changes, it is crucial to maintain transparency and ethical practices to ensure that AI enhances rather than undermines the art world. By recognizing the collaborative potential of AI and addressing its challenges, we can continue to appreciate the unique qualities of human creativity while embracing technological advancements.
The Impact of AI on the Collecting Mindset
Collecting in the Age of AI
For me, collecting will always be a fundamental aspect of our world, never becoming extinct. It is inherent to human nature, much like breathing is to biological sustenance. While collecting is not essential for life itself, it significantly enhances the quality of life. This is true for 33-40% of the adult population, and it is postulated that the propensity for collecting is even higher in children, reaching up to 60 or 70%.
Embracing Novelty
The introduction of AI into the realm of collecting has elicited varied reactions. Some collectors might be intimidated by this new and unproven technique. The brain center associated with the perception of novelty is the substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area (SN/VTA). This area, rich in dopaminergic neurons, is part of the brain's reward system and influences behavior positively or negatively. Collectors who embrace new technologies will be the forerunners in the field, while those who are wary might ignore or avoid AI.
This hesitance is due to the internal bodily distress caused when the amygdala, the brain's fear center, is stimulated upon exposure to AI, perceived as a novelty. This biological reaction can overshadow the excitement that might otherwise be generated by encountering a new concept. Consequently, some collectors may become "late-comers" to AI, only engaging with it once they have habituated—a process where repeated exposure decreases the response to a stimulus. During this period, these collectors might reduce their collecting activities out of fear or continue collecting in traditional ways. They must be cautious of auction houses and dealers who might misrepresent AI-generated art, either through ignorance or greed.
The Essence of Collecting with AI
Contrary to concerns that AI might diminish the essence of collecting due to its ability to repeat and copy, I believe that AI enhances and complements the collecting experience. AI introduces new dimensions of creativity and accessibility, allowing collectors to explore innovative forms of art and collectibles. However, it is crucial to ensure that AI-generated art is presented accurately to maintain trust and integrity in the collecting community.
AI also holds the potential to assist in recognizing forgeries and ensuring the authenticity of collectibles, presenting a fascinating paradox. While AI can create art, it can also be a tool for verifying the legitimacy of pieces, thereby safeguarding the interests of collectors.
In conclusion, the essence of collecting remains robust and vibrant in the age of AI. While some collectors may initially resist AI due to novelty and fear, others will embrace its potential, leading to a dynamic and evolving collecting landscape. AI offers new opportunities for creativity and discovery, enriching the collecting experience. By navigating the challenges and leveraging the advantages of AI, collectors can continue to find joy and fulfillment in their pursuit of meaningful and valuable items.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of AI Art
The Good
AI art can be an incredibly innovative and inspiring medium, as evidenced by works such as those produced by Sougwen Chung. Another notable example is the AI-driven project "DREAM," also known as "Unsupervised," by Refik Anadol. This project was featured at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City from November 19, 2022, to October 29, 2023. Anadol employed neural networks to analyze dreams and transform them into sculptural forms. The project delved into the creativity of the subconscious mind, merging it with AI's computational power to create unique, dream-inspired waves that evoke emotion. This production was widely praised for its innovative quality, constantly changing vistas, and aesthetically pleasing approach. As someone who experienced it twice, I can attest to its captivating nature; I found myself standing or sitting in front of it for extended periods, alongside many other mesmerized visitors.
The Bad
On the lighter side, some AI art is not only bad but also hilariously so. Bored Panda, a website known for its entertaining and amusing content, featured an article on July 7, 2023, titled “50 AI Art Fails That Are Both Horrifying And Hilarious.” These examples of AI-generated art failures are amusing and provide a lighthearted view of the limitations and quirks of AI in art creation.
However, not all bad AI art is amusing. Some AI-generated art used in scientific journals has faced significant backlash and retraction. These retractions occurred because concerns were raised regarding the authenticity and reliability of the AI-generated figures. Consequently, scientists who utilized AI for illustrations faced embarrassment and lost the opportunity to publish their research, highlighting the risks associated with relying on AI in serious and academic contexts.
The Ugly
The use of AI art becomes problematic and ethically questionable when it is employed to deceive. When AI-generated pieces are falsely presented as authentic human-created art, it betrays the trust of the audience. This deception can lead to feelings of betrayal, as people generally expect honesty and authenticity in artistic representations.
A notable instance of this is said to have occurred on platforms like Etsy and Saatchi, where AI-generated art was reportedly misrepresented as genuine. Chris Jenkins, senior editor from Arts & Collections, addressed this issue in an email to a buyer who had purchased art from Saatchi. He expressed concern that AI-generated artwork could be falsely presented as genuine, predicting that this issue could become a significant problem in the art world. This deception undermines the integrity of the art market and erodes trust between buyers and sellers.
For further insight into the neuropsychological desire for fairness, not only in humans but also in monkeys, readers can refer to pages 45-47 of my 2019 book, "Inside the Head of a Collector: Neuropsychological Forces at Play" (Lucis/Marquand, Seattle).
AI art encompasses a wide spectrum of quality and ethical considerations. From innovative and captivating projects like Anadol's "DREAM" to the humorous failures highlighted by Bored Panda, AI art can be both inspiring and entertaining. However, the misuse of AI in academic contexts and deceptive practices in the art market underscore the importance of maintaining integrity and transparency in AI-generated creations. As AI continues to evolve, it is crucial to navigate its applications thoughtfully and ethically to ensure it enriches rather than undermines the artistic and scientific
