The Artist's Hand: AI Art Pioneers That Existed Before the Boom (nettricegaskins.medium.com)

A recent reflection on the evolution of AI art highlights the significant contributions of early pioneers like Harold Cohen, whose work with the AARON algorithm in the 1980s laid foundational concepts for AI-generated art. Aaron Hertzmann, a principal scientist at Adobe Research, emphasizes that while AI tools can create impressive outputs, true artistry stems from human creativity. This discussion raises crucial questions about authorship and the essence of art as technology continues to evolve. Hertzmann’s engagement with Cohen's legacy showcases how these early artists navigated the blurred lines between human and machine creativity, arguing that technology should enhance, not replace, the artist's unique touch. The article also explores the influence of other avant-garde figures such as Luigi Russolo, Marcel Duchamp, and Sol LeWitt, who challenged conventional artistic norms through innovative approaches. For instance, LeWitt’s use of “prompts” has parallels in today’s generative AI capabilities, where artists instruct algorithms to create unique works. This historical perspective encourages contemporary artists to recognize their role in shaping machine-generated creativity, urging a thoughtful dialogue about the ethical implications of using AI in art as the community grapples with copyright issues and the nature of creativity itself.