It’s no secret that images are often manipulated to achieve a certain look or message. A dear friend Scott Freeland of Freeland Studios said to me he felt like "the work is plastic and lifeless." In most cases, I don't disagree. That said, we see it in magazines, movies, and even in our own social media feeds.
But what happens when image manipulation goes too far? I'll attempt to explore the inherent cyclical chaos of image manipulation. From deep fakes to AI artwork to Photoshop, we will discuss how these technologies blur the lines between reality and fiction.
What is AI Art?
When it comes to art, the term “artificial intelligence” (AI) is usually used to refer to computer-generated imagery (CGI). However, AI can also be used to create art through algorithms that mimic or simulate the creative process. This type of AI art is often referred to as “algorithmic art” or “generative art”.
There are a number of different ways that AI can be used to create artwork. For example, some AI systems are designed to generate new images based on a set of parameters provided by the user. Others are designed to modify existing images in predetermined ways, such as by adding colors or patterns.
Seeing plenty of thoughts online about the future of digital art in connection with AI generations, we decided to share some information on how AI generates images and why it will not replace digital artists. 🧵🧵🧵
— Prisma Labs (@PrismaAI) December 6, 2022
Some artists use AI systems as a tool for creating new artwork, while others see AI as a medium in its own right. Some of the most famous examples of AI art include “The Last Supper” by Harold Cohen and “AARON” by Joe Stefanelli. Cohen’s work was created using an AI system he developed himself, which he referred to as his “artist assistant”. Stefanelli’s work was created using an off-the-shelf software package called AARON. This begins what I see as the image manipulation "tool" debate. Are you claiming artwork that's been solely generated by a digital algorithm, "your artwork" or are you using AI as part of your process?
The algorithmic argument of 3D movies isn't 'completed' until rendered, but that's simply part of the process of an original product.
AI art is often criticized for being too similar to traditional forms of digital manipulation, such as Photoshop. However, there are a number of key differences between AI art and traditional digital manipulation. First and foremost, AI art is generated based on criteria, search terms, uploaded images and related sources.
What are Deep Fakes?
Deep fakes are images or videos that have been manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI) to represent something falsely. For example, a deep fake video might show someone saying or doing something they never said or did in real life. Deep fakes are often used to create fake news stories or to spread disinformation.
Deep fakes can be created using various AI techniques, including machine learning and generative adversarial networks (GANs). These techniques allow for creating of realistic-looking images and videos that are very difficult to distinguish from the real thing.
The problem with deep fakes is that they can be used to spread false information or to deceive people. In some cases, deep fakes might even be used to commit crimes, such as identity theft or fraud. It is important to be aware of the dangers of deep fakes and to verify any images or videos that you see before believing them.
The Heaven and Hell of AI Art
When it comes to art, there are always going to be mixed opinions on what is and isn’t “good.” But with the rise of AI art or artwork created with the help of artificial intelligence, there is a new level of debate regarding what qualifies as art. Some people believe that AI art is simply a computer-generated image that doesn’t require any real talent or creativity on the part of the artist. Others believe that AI art is a new form of expression that can create truly unique and beautiful pieces. So, what are the pros and cons of AI art?
On the positive side, AI art can offer a level of detail and precision that wouldn’t be possible for a human artist to achieve. Additionally, AI art can be created in a fraction of the time it would take a human artist to complete a similar piece. And because algorithms often create AI artwork, it can offer an interesting perspective that might be different from what a human artist would create.
On the negative side, some people believe that AI artwork lacks soul or emotion because it is not created by a human hand. Additionally, because AI artwork is often generated by algorithms, it can sometimes need more originality or look repetitive. Finally, depending on how they are created, some AI artworks might not be considered “true” works of art if they were simply made by following a set of rules or instructions.
Possibly one of the largest debated negatives when it comes to AI and artwork is that much of the artwork poles from pre-existing imagery that is online in order to weave together something entirely new. Therefore, there is much debate that this aspect of the algorithmic process is stealing. Moreover, the respective artist to which the algorithm is pulled from gets to do so without royalties, payments, or acknowledgment of any kind. Within this context comes a larger discussion of how is AI and artwork "collaborative" versus "augmented" versus "absconding" the root (if you will) or the basis of the rendered output. The answer in my mind from a CliffsNotes standpoint is simply that I don't know. However, I will say the following presents an interesting retrospective of the integration of mediums into artwork and what/how do we establish ownership within the context?
Found objects
Collage and assemblage
Audio masking and clipping
Overlays of imagery
Intended manipulation of imagery
"Touch Up" applicational technology
and more ...
The Inherent Cyclical Chaos of Image Manipulation
There is an inherent cyclical nature to manipulating images, whether through artificial intelligence, deep fakes, or Photoshop. As technology advances, so too do the methods and techniques for manipulating images. This results in a constant cycle of one-upmanship, as those who create the manipulated images, strive to outdo each other with ever more realistic or convincing fake images.
This cyclical nature was demonstrated recently with releasing a series of AI-generated fake images known as "deep fakes." These images are so realistic that they are almost indistinguishable from real photographs. In response to this new development, many people have called for stricter regulation of image manipulation software and techniques. However, it is doubtful that any such regulation could keep pace with the rapidly changing landscape of image manipulation.
The only way to truly combat the inherent chaos of image manipulation is to be aware of it and to approach all images with a healthy dose of skepticism. We must remember that just because an image looks real doesn't necessarily mean it is.
Photoshop
When it comes to image manipulation, there are really two main ways that people go about it: using AI or using Photoshop. And while both of these methods can produce some pretty amazing results, they each have their own unique set of pros and cons.
Photoshop, for example, is a great tool for making small tweaks to an image or for completely transforming an image into something else entirely. However, it can be quite time-consuming and requires a lot of skill to use effectively. Additionally, because Photoshop is so widely used, there is a risk that your manipulated images could be easily detected as fake if someone is looking closely enough.
On the other hand, AI image manipulation is much faster and doesn't require nearly as much skill to use effectively. However, because it is still a relatively new technology, some kinks need to be worked out and it can sometimes produce results that look a bit unnatural.
The Long & Short
Ultimately, which method you choose to use is up to you. But keep in mind that both AI and Photoshop have their own strengths and weaknesses that you should take into account before making your final decision. Most of all it lies within your interpretation of what 'process' is art — to you.
In the end, there it's always going to be a newer technology that we will debate, explore, and criticize based upon losing our human interaction. For my part, I will only say that the less we engage and utilize these tools in a collaborative way, the more it makes way for them to do it without us.
