Here is another semi-abstract of a rainy streetscape. It is the result of Midjourney prompting. I just edited the output slightly to adjust composition, color palette, and vibrancy to give it a little more “punch “.
This piece looks like something that could sell for $20K+ if hand-painted by a well-known artist. Thanks to Midjourney and other AI art generators, stunning artworks like this are a dime a dozen, being shared freely all over social media.
In the world of art, similar to any other field, a cult of personality propels certain artists to significant financial success. However, this phenomenon also poses a challenge for new and unrecognized yet exceptionally talented artists attempting to get their feet in the door.
Today, a Van Gogh painting, assuming it’s not priceless, might fetch an astronomical $80 to $90 million at auction. Van Gogh himself struggled financially– and with mental health– all his life. Interestingly, none of the rich snobs, art collectors, and other members of high society at the time recognized the genius in his works.
That’s why when when it comes to the appreciation of art, be it AI- or human-created, I trust my heart first, my gut second, and my head third.
If I were to look at “Starry Night” by Van Gogh for the first time and think, “Oh, this guy lives in an asylum, so his art also must be crazy,” I’d be listening to my head and not my heart. I’d be betraying my innate sense of beauty and aesthetics to conform to the societal norms of the time.
That’s no way to appreciate or value art, but unfortunately, it continues even today. There are those who hesitate to embrace AI-generated art, categorically dismissing its merits due to the unfamiliarity it carries and the misconception that AI art is “just computer algorithm.”
But isn’t it precisely the role of art to challenge us to look beyond the predictable and embrace the extraordinary, whether born of human hands or artificial creativity?
In this age of the AI revolution, we have an opportunity to transcend the limitations that once constrained artistic expression. The realm of AI art is an exciting frontier, inviting us to celebrate the interplay of human creativity and technological innovation.
As we navigate the ever-evolving landscapes of artistic creation and appreciation, let’s remember the lessons from the past. The Van Goghs of today are painting their own masterpieces, whether on canvas or through lines of code. It’s time to heed the call of the heart, to trust the whispers of instinct, and to shatter the shackles of societal conformity. Only then can we truly honor the essence of art in all its diverse and captivating forms.
