Later this month, Sotheby’s will put up for sale for the first time an artwork created by a humanoid robot created using artificial intelligence (AI). “A.I. God: Portrait of Alan Turing (2024)” is created by Ai- Da Robot, an artist robot created by British gallerist Aidan Mailer.
Mellor says, “All the great artists in history embodied the change in society and its representation through their artwork. So it makes sense to have a machine create artwork for this purpose.”
The painting up for sale is of Alan Turing, an English mathematician, World War II secret code expert and considered the pioneer of artificial intelligence (AI). In 1952, Turing was prosecuted for homosexuality, which was considered a crime at the time. He accepted chemical castration to avoid imprisonment. Two years later, he died of cyanide poisoning, which was considered a suicide at the time, but is still suspected. The image was exhibited at the United Nations AI World Summit in Geneva this year.
Mailer and researcher Lucy Seal wrote in “The Art Newspaper”, “Just as Marcel Duchamp changed our view of art, Ai- Da gives us the ability to see artists and humans in a new way. It is changing what it means to be human, no matter what we like. , and so Ai- Da is reflecting that change, even if it’s clearly ”
The robot Ai- Da is defined as feminine. She paints and sketches through cameras in her eyes and robotic arms. She has short, black hair and is usually dressed in denim overalls. Some critics have commented on her good looks, describing her as having “mysterious hazel eyes… gorgeous lips… as attractive as a sofa”.
But Ai- Da is not just a pretty face. Two years ago, she presented her views in the House of Lords in Britain. She told the Communications and Digital Committee, “I don’t have personal experiences; I rely on computer programs. Even if I’m not alive, I can create art.” She explains that she draws inspiration from respectful and thought- provoking images of the human form.
Now Sotheby’s will test the market value of her art. They have obtained a third- party guarantee for this auction, so that there is no financial risk.