Humans have often thought they had a guaranteed upper hand against computers: their creativity. Countless science fiction movies depict lifeless, unexpressive robots, merely part of the plot for the sole purpose of fulfilling their duties. However, as Artificial Intelligence continues to improve, these impressions may begin to change.
Artificial Intelligence art generators depend on the images they are fed to create art pieces. These generators use neural networks and algorithms to distinguish between different objects in the images they are fed. Therefore, an AI art generator uses existing art to spit out an image with that object.
This process brings up an important question: Is it still an artist’s own work if they use an AI-generated image in their art?
“As long as [a student’s] brain, hand, and eye are still creating and manipulating the image, I don’t see why not. At the same time, when you [input your own art] you give up your work and then it can be used by anyone else without giving credit, which worries me,” said K-12 Director of Visual Art Mr. Thomas Carter.
“I feel like any form of asking AI to generate a picture for you is not your own art. That is the work of other artists that the AI has been trained off of,” said Maddie Tan ’25, co-leader of Art Club, which meets every Tuesday and works to foster an environment where artists can experiment, create, and meet other artists.
Since its origin in 2014, discussions have ensued surrounding AI-generated art and plagiarism, including in national newspapers such as the New York Times and The Boston Globe. However, if some believe AI-generated images are not plagiarism, do they have a place in art classes at the high school?
“If you ask AI ‘Explain romanticism to me.’ and use that as a tool to explain a style of art to you, then I think it is fine,” Tan said. Photo by Sophia Pavano.
Mr. Brian Reddy, teacher of Drawing and Painting I, II, and the intensive courses, discussed the pros and cons of AI art. He said it can fit into part of the art-making process, for example, helping students develop ideas. Yet, AI makes creativity something instant and convenient, which he does not want to encourage.
“In my opinion, it goes against what we try to teach: creativity takes time…I want students to learn how to invent new things in genuine and challenging ways, instead of emphasizing the most convenient way to do it,” Reddy said.
Some students at the high school are also frustrated with the lack of effort needed when using AI in art.
“AI doesn’t recognize these feelings that we have and put into our work. It is taking the passion and emotion out of art,” Tan said.
There are no concrete rules about AI use in the Art department at this time; however, teachers do oversee students during the entire creation of their projects and have regulated the use of AI in the past when deemed necessary. Websites like Canva can make it difficult for students to realize they are even using AI for their art pieces.
Canva is a software company that provides a vast amount of resources for students: visually appealing templates for presentations, sample websites, and video guides. However, its images and visuals are a form of AI. Therefore, if a student typed a keyword into the search bar, found an icon in a presentation that they liked, and then used the icon, they would have used AI for their art unknowingly.
“Since AI-generated art is easily accessible, it is the responsibility of both the artist and viewer to make sure that a piece is identified as having used an AI tool or not. Viewers should hold artists to high standards and artists should label their work appropriately,” said Reddy.
It is clear that AI is not going away and, in fact, will continue to improve and grow. Further discussion about AI usage in different fields, including art mediums, may come with its growth.
“What makes art cool is the fact that humans made it. It is what connects us to art and connects us when we appreciate art,” Reddy said.