Christie’s AI auction sparks controversy

Over 3,000 artists have signed an open letter to Christie’s New York urging them to cancel an upcoming auction of art created using artificial intelligence. The sale, which is titled ‘Augmented Intelligence’ – a term used to describe the subset of AI machine learning which is used to enhance human intelligence rather than replace it – is due to open for bidding on 20th February. The sale features the work of “early AI pioneers of the 1960s”, including Harold Cohen, as well as contemporary artists like Refik Anadol. Works range in value from $10,000 to $250,000 and the auction house expects to bring in more than $600,000.

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AI-generated artwork controversially wins award at US State Fair

Game designer Jason Allen won first place at the Colorado State Fair art competition with a work he made using an artificial intelligence image generator. Allen’s controversial victory has sparked fury online, as human artists yet again fear for the future of their profession. “We’re watching the death of artistry unfold before our eyes,” despaired one Twitter user in reaction to the announcement.

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