First Artwork Created by Humanoid Robot Sells for $1.3 Million
The sale of this artwork at the prestigious Sotheby's auction house marks a new milestone in the relationship between technology and art.
In the art world, technology has increasingly become a part of the creative process. You may have already seen the viral video of an industrial robot which "bleeds" the hydraulic fluid it needs to function and attempts to collect it, only for it to not be quick enough. This was created by artists Sun Yuan and Peng Yu, and is a thought provoking commentary on the relatisonship between technology and human emotion, and empathy.
Until now, humans were behind such tech driven artworks. But with Ai-Da, a humanoid robot developed by Oxford University scientists, that changed. Ai-Da uses AI algorithms, cameras, and robotic arms to create her own artwork. Her paintings, including abstract pieces, represent machine-driven creativity rather than mere replication. This specific painting, titled AI God, is the first artwork by a humanoid robot to be auctioned at Sotheby's.
The piece is a portrait of Alan Turing, the British mathematician and computing pioneer. Standing over 6 feet tall, the artwork presents a fragmented, layered image of Turing, reflecting his complex legacy. Ai-Da said, "I'm fascinated to see my artwork, AI God, at Sotheby's. My art uses a fragmented approach to reveal deeper intellectual and emotional layers of Alan Turing."
Named after Ada Lovelace, Ai-Da bridges AI and art, creating non-replicable works that challenge traditional ideas of creativity. At Sotheby's digital art sale, AI God sold for $1.3 million, far exceeding its estimated price of $180,000. Sotheby's hailed the sale as a milestone in contemporary art, emphasizing the growing role of AI in creative expression.
The sale of AI God signals how AI is reshaping the art world and challenging notions of creativity and authorship. Ai-Da's work prompts discussions on AI's societal impact, particularly its "god-like" power and ethical implications. Her portrait of Turing invites viewers to consider both AI's creative potential and its broader effects. AI-driven art is poised to play a significant role in the future of digital and contemporary art.