Exploring the Impact of Generative AI on Art and Creativity

The intersection of art and technology is a topic that has sparked debate and discussion among artists, professors, and experts alike. Pedro Ordoñez Acosta, a senior finance and art double-major, has found a unique way to blend the two worlds by using generative artificial intelligence programs in his painting process.

Acosta utilizes AI programs such as DaVinci and DALL∙E 2 to help him find a starting point for his paintings. These AI-generated images serve as inspiration for his artwork, with his paintings often becoming responses to the images created by the AI.

“It helps with that block of starting a project,” Acosta shared about his creative process.

On the other hand, Timothy Appignani, a communication professor at Trinity and a playwright, has a different perspective on the use of AI in art. Having researched generative AI for nearly a decade, Appignani raises questions about the ethical and creative implications of using AI in the artistic process.

“Where is the feeling in AI generated art? Is it just cerebral? And if that’s all that it is, is the audience losing that opportunity to have a shared feeling with another person?” Appignani pondered.

He believes that AI may hinder creative expression and artistic identity rather than enhance it, as it removes the personal experience of creating art and may lead to less creativity.

However, Althea Delwiche, chair of the department of communication at Trinity, offers a contrasting view. She teaches a special sections communication class about AI and believes that AI can actually enable more people to express themselves artistically by eliminating technical barriers and time commitments.

“I think that is just such a fantastic capability that is now available to anybody who gets access to these tools, which is a lot of people,” Delwiche said.

While there are challenges in translating artistic ideas into AI-generated images, Acosta noted that the emotional connection to the artwork created with AI can still be strong. Delwiche mentioned examples of using AI to create personalized gifts, fostering positive emotions and connections.

Despite differing opinions on the impact of AI on art, both Appignani and Delwiche agree on the importance of raising awareness and engaging in discussions about the role of AI in the creative process.

As the debate continues, it is clear that the integration of AI in art is a complex and evolving topic that will shape the future of artistic expression.