Related Articles
The world has witnessed an unprecedented surge in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). The AI market is projected to reach a staggering $164.99 billion in 2023 and is expected to skyrocket to a value of $1,591.03 billion by 2030, thus establishing a robust and burgeoning economy. Gone are the days of clunky and rudimentary AI; instead, we are now witnessing the emergence of sleek and sophisticated applications.
Cutting-edge AI tools like ChatGPT can generate a wide array of content, ranging from compelling copy to intricate computer code. Similarly, Dall-E has the capability to create breathtaking visuals, and AI apps are even being utilized to design websites. Startling AI use cases are permeating numerous industries, including choreography and music, prompting a wave of fear and hostility.
The apprehensions surrounding AI are not without reason. Renowned figures like Elon Musk have deemed it an existential threat, cautioning that advanced rogue AI could potentially annihilate humanity. Artists such as Eric Hanson and Tara Mcpherson express their anger and disappointment over their art being employed to train AI, fearing that they may become obsolete in the face of this technology. In fact, the Future of Life Institute has published an open letter advocating for a six-month halt to AI systems training due to concerns over job loss and loss of control over civilization.
While these concerns hold validity, it is crucial to uphold a guiding principle: the purpose of generative AI is not to replicate, but to aggregate. In the past, the creative process for audio, video and images involved capturing raw materials, which were then manipulated by experts to produce the final product. For example, an image would begin as a simple portrait and undergo retouching in Photoshop. Audio tracks originated as raw recordings in the studio and were subsequently refined using tools like Ableton. Similarly, video footage shot on film cameras would undergo various post-production stages to reach the final cut in software such as Final Cut Pro. What we are witnessing now is an acceleration or narrowing of the gap between the amount of material required for creation and the final product. The expertise required, the time invested, and the workflow involved are all diminishing.
Ultimately, the goal of AI is not to replace artists but rather to complement them. AI is simply a tool that many artists are utilizing to push the boundaries of their art and explore new mediums and techniques. A notable example is the works of Memo Akten, who trained an algorithm to “see” images representing human life and generate new images based on them. AI is even making an impact in the dance industry, as choreographer Wayne McGregor collaborates with AI to create new movements based on an analysis of his 25 years of work. Some artists, like Dr. Ahmed Elgammal, are using AI to address the existential question it poses: can AI be creative without human intervention?
The Rolling Stone Culture Council is an invitation-only community for Influencers, Innovators and Creatives. Do I qualify?
Even mainstream artists have embraced AI. Grimes, for instance, not only utilizes AI to create music but has also launched a platform that enables users to create music using AI. This exemplifies how AI is democratizing production, placing the power of creation in the hands of many. The process of creating art, whether in music or visual form, has traditionally been expensive, with factors such as renting studio space, purchasing materials, and collaborating with others serving as barriers to entry. However, with the advent of various AI marketplaces, anyone can now bring their artistic vision to life from the comfort of their computer.
It’s important for artists to incorporate AI into their arsenal of tools instead of fearing it. Instead of viewing AI as a replacement, it can be seen as a tool to streamline, scale, and further the work of an artist. For example, musicians can utilize AI to generate unique melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. It can analyze vast amounts of musical data, uncover patterns, and even suggest creative variations that artists might not have thought of on their own.
By leveraging AI, musicians can experiment with different musical styles, collaborate with virtual AI-generated performers and infuse their own artistic sensibilities into the generated compositions, resulting in truly innovative and distinctive music. Visual artists can also use AI to explore new ways of expression and engagement. AI-powered tools can assist artists in generating complex visual effects, realistic simulations, and even entire virtual worlds. By leveraging AI algorithms, artists can automate certain aspects of their workflow, allowing them to focus more on the conceptualization and interpretation of their art. AI-powered platforms and social media algorithms can also help artists connect with a wider audience, allowing them to showcase their art to the world and receive valuable feedback and recognition.
Throughout history, new technologies have always presented challenges. Painters once feared that the camera would render them obsolete, and many musicians believed that the phonograph would diminish the quality of music. Yet every new technology that was expected to decimate the arts instead revolutionized them. AI is no exception — it is our perception that must evolve. By incorporating AI into their creative toolkits, artists continuously explore fresh and exhilarating expressions of creativity. Artists should embrace the inevitability of AI and utilize it to generate novel artistic endeavors. Only by doing so can they ensure that AI remains a tool rather than a replacement.
