Title: not use - Seven Arguments about AI Images and Generative Media ---- Tags: Article, 2023 ---- Top_image: ---- Side_images: 1.jpg, 2.jpg ---- Download_link: seven-arguments-about-ai-images-and-generative-media.pdf ---- External_link: ---- Internal_link: ---- Text: ### Publication Lev Manovich. "Seven Arguments about AI Images and Generative Media." (Chapter 5 of Artificial Aesthetics by Lev Manovich and Emanuele Arielli.) ### Abstract I explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping contemporary art and media, marking a profound shift in cultural and technological landscapes. The rise of generative media signifies a new era in digital creativity, with AI systems using neural networks to produce a wide array of artistic outputs. By learning from vast collections of existing artworks and cultural artifacts, these systems challenge traditional notions of creativity and originality. I trace the historical evolution of AI in media, highlighting how early developments have paved the way for today’s sophisticated generative models, such as diffusion models and generative adversarial networks (GANs). These models synthesize new images and media content from text prompts, enabling an unprecedented level of diversity and complexity in artistic expression. I discuss AI’s potential to democratize artistic creation by making powerful tools accessible to everyone, blurring the lines between professional artists and amateurs. This accessibility allows for new forms of artistic engagement, where the roles of creator and consumer become increasingly fluid. Rather than merely replicating historical styles, AI-generated art reinterprets and recombines elements from the past to create genuinely novel works, much like modern artists who drew inspiration from diverse cultural sources. AI engages with historical art movements, offering fresh perspectives and new creative possibilities that expand our understanding of aesthetics. I also examine the implications of AI for cultural memory and artistic innovation. While AI’s reliance on historical data can perpetuate biases, it also uncovers hidden patterns and explores underexplored aesthetics. AI art is not just a technological novelty but a dynamic field that interacts with the rich tapestry of human culture. Through this chapter, I highlight AI’s potential to revolutionize creativity while acknowledging the complexities and challenges in this rapidly developing field. My goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of AI’s role in reshaping art and media, emphasizing its potential to redefine the boundaries of creativity and artistic expression.