Persisting Blur in Artistry Between AI and Photographers at Rencontres d'Arles Event
In the picturesque town of Arles, nestled in the Bouches-du-Rhône region of France, the Trinitarian Church is hosting the prestigious Rencontres de la Photographie. This year's event, which continues until the end of the article, is a celebration of contemporary photography, with a unique twist - the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in some of the exhibits.
Two Brazilian artists, Mayara Ferrao and Igi Lola Ayedun, are making waves with their AI-driven photography. Mayara Ferrao, whose work is a 19th-century fantasy depiction of the lesbian loves of former black slaves, has used AI to transform a body of texts and images into photographs for her exhibition. However, it has been reported that the AI algorithms used by Ferrao were found to be surprisingly racist, raising questions about the ethical implications of AI in art.
Igi Lola Ayedun, another artist featured in the "Ancestral Futures" exhibition, is exhibiting photographs created by training the generative AI Midjourney with her own portraits. The AI Midjourney was previously trained with Ayedun's portraits for her exhibition.
Thyago Nogueira, the curator of the "Ancestral Futures" exhibition, has brought together a diverse array of artists, including Ferrao and Ayedun. The exhibition showcases contemporary approaches to photography, with some works, such as those by Elena Efeoglou, explicitly incorporating AI-generated imagery and blending traditional photography with digital innovation.
However, the use of AI in photography at the Rencontres de la Photographie is not yet in the regulations of the event. It is suggested that it should be clearly mentioned on the labels to inform visitors that AI is being used in the photographs.
Christoph Wiesner, the event's director of the Rencontres de la Photographie, has not yet commented on the use of AI in the exhibits. The article contains more information about the Rencontres de la Photographie and the AI-related exhibitions, but 85.83% of it is reserved for subscribers.
Despite the controversy surrounding the use of AI in Ferrao's work, the "Ancestral Futures" exhibition is a testament to the power of technology in art. The blend of traditional and digital techniques is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in photography, and the use of AI is undoubtedly playing a significant role in this evolution.
As the Rencontres de la Photographie continues, visitors are encouraged to explore the exhibits, including those by Ferrao and Ayedun, and consider the role of AI in art and its potential impact on the future of photography.
Technology and artificial intelligence are transforming the artistic landscape at the Rencontres de la Photographie. Mayara Ferrao and Igi Lola Ayedun, two artists featured in the event, are employing AI in their photography, with Ferrao's AI-driven works raising questions about ethical implications in the use of artificial intelligence in art.
