The definition of art emphasizes the expression of human creative skill and imagination. AI art combines human imagination with advanced technology, challenging the traditional notion that only people can create art.
If you are wondering whether AI-generated art qualifies as true art, this guide is for you. It explains what AI painting is, how it’s made, and answers the question of whether AI artists can be considered real artists.
As a bonus, you’ll also find examples of popular AI art from world-renowned AI artists, such as Sougwen Chung, Refik Anadol, and Sofia Crespo. Keep reading to learn more!
What is AI painting?
AI painting, also known as AI art or AI-generated art, refers to artwork created or enhanced through the use of AI image generation technology. This technology employs machine learning algorithms to analyze patterns in large image datasets and generate new visual content.
Art exhibition in Dubai
How does artificial intelligence generate art?
In order for artificial intelligence to generate art, machine learning models, particularly neural networks, must first be trained on large datasets of images to understand colors, compositions, artistic styles, and visual patterns. Once trained, AI models can use the acquired knowledge to create a unique AI artwork.
This process is similar to how human artists develop their visual sense by visiting art galleries, studying different artistic movements, and experimenting with various creative techniques. The main difference is that artificial intelligence can process data much faster than humans, gaining an advantage in speed and variety of artistic styles.
Popular AI art generators to create paintings with artificial intelligence
1. Depositphotos AI Art Generator
Depositphotos AI Art Generator is a powerful text-to-art generator that creates high-quality images in both realistic and artistic styles. The art made by this AI tool is suitable for commercial purposes and can be used for print and digital media.
2. DALL-E
Dall-E is a well-known AI art generator that uses text input to create AI-generated paintings. It is built into the OpenAI GPT-4.5 model, allowing users to generate new images in conversational mode for free.
3. Midjourney
Midjourney is another popular AI art generator that specializes in producing abstract and surreal AI artwork from text prompts. It operates through a Discord-based bot and is accessible via a paid subscription.
Can we consider AI artists to be real artists?
Since the advent of generative AI, the question of whether AI artists can be considered real artists has become a subject of widespread debate. Some people think that AI-generated artwork is another form of artistic expression, while others believe that true art requires the human hand.
If we look at the main criteria for what defines art, such as creativity, inspiration, and emotion, AI art can certainly meet those standards. AI artists can express important ideas or feelings through artificial intelligence art, the same way human artists can through traditional means.
In fact, many famous artists have faced criticism for their controversial ideas about what art should be. For example, some of Andy Warhol’s early artworks were not initially considered “real art”. All because Warhol used imagery from advertising and mass media to create his works. Over time, however, Warhol helped start the Pop Art movement and became an influential figure in the art world. This shows that art is constantly evolving, and AI art might soon take the front stage in the art scene.
The best AI art from world-renowned AI artists
Take a look at examples of AI art created by well-known AI artists who are pushing the limits of what artificial intelligence can do.
1. Sougwen Chung
Sougwen Chung is one of the most prominent AI artists in the world, known for her innovative use of robotics and AI algorithms to create artificial intelligence paintings. She is a Canadian-born, Chinese-raised artist who lives between London and New York.
Chung’s distinctive style and unique approach to art earned her a spot on the TIME100 Most Influential People in AI list. Instead of creating art exclusively on a computer, she trains robots to paint alongside her on large-format canvases.
Sougwen Chung collaborates on an artwork with robots and AI algorithms.
2. Mac Baconai
Mac Baconai is an architect and digital artist renowned for his mind-bending AI art. He is a creative ambassador of Perplexity AI and Leonardo AI, using AI tools like Midjourney to create surreal, futuristic, and simply amazing AI art with conceptually rich visual narratives.
You can find Mac Baconai’s works mostly on X, where his art has received thousands of likes and comments. But if you want to get an idea of how his cool AI art is created, head over to Baconai’s Patreon page, where he shares his prompts, notes, and design methodology for a small monthly fee.
AI-generated artwork by Mac Baconai.
3. Sofia Crespo
Sofia Crespo is an Argentine visual artist who uses artificial intelligence to explore the forms, patterns, and evolution of organic life. Based in Lisbon, she is in great demand both in Europe and beyond.
From Times Square to the Centre Pompidou, Sofia’s AI-generated artworks have been featured in prestigious galleries around the world. Through the creative use of artificial intelligence, she draws pictures of hybrid organisms and biological structures, as well as quirky ecosystems.
Various and Casual Occursions by Sofia Crespo and Anna Ridler.
4. Refik Anadol
Refik Anadol is a Turkish-American media artist known for his AI-driven installations that transform data into stunning visual art. Drawing from digital archives and public resources, he creates immersive audiovisual experiences that captivate audiences around the world.
Anadol’s work has been exhibited in renowned institutions, from the Serpentine Galleries in London to the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. But Refik doesn’t stop there; he plans to launch “Dataland,” the world’s first AI art museum, which is set to open in Los Angeles in late 2025.
Unsupervised by Refik Anadol.
5. Mario Klingemann
Rounding out the list is Mario Klingemann, a pioneer of AI-based art. Klingemann is a German artist who works under the pseudonym Quasimondo. He is widely recognized for using neural networks, code, and algorithms to create art.
Klingemann’s works have graced the walls of world-renowned art institutions, including the Centre Pompidou, Berlin’s DAM Gallery, and New York’s Museum of Modern Art. In 2019, he made headlines as the first AI artist to sell AI-generated portraits at a Sotheby’s auction.
Memories of Passersby by Mario Klingemann (photo courtesy of Onkaos)
In conclusion
Although AI art remains a subject of debate, AI artists worldwide are building successful careers. Some exhibit their works in leading art institutions, while others sell AI-generated pieces to collectors around the globe, proving that AI art is real art.
