Christie's has launched its inaugural "Augmented Intelligence" auction, dedicated exclusively to art created using artificial intelligence. The auction, running from February 20 to March 5, features over 20 lots including digital art, sculptures, paintings, and inks-on-paper.
Curated by Nicole Sales Giles, the exhibition aims to highlight the growing field of AI art. Pieces like Alexander Reben's "Untitled Robot Painting" evolve with each bid, blending generative AI with live performance.
However, the auction has ignited controversy. Critics argue that AI art tools are trained on artists' works without consent, potentially devaluing human-created art. An open letter calling for the auction's cancellation has garnered over 3,400 signatures, raising ethical concerns about data sovereignty and copyright.
Artists like Claire Silver and Sasha Stiles view AI as a tool to enhance artistic expression, pushing creative boundaries. Runway, an AI video generator, asserts its technology is designed ethically, requiring artist input. Reben, formerly with OpenAI, acknowledges the ethical considerations of AI data training.
Despite the debate, Christie's auction signals a shift towards collaborative innovation, exploring AI's role in creation and sparking dialogue about the ethical implications of AI in art.