There are varying opinions about the potential for holistic expertise possible within emerging AI systems, the span of their functions, potential for sentience and the threat they pose to the livelihoods of millions. However, I have recently employed a couple of AI systems to review some of my works, and I have been surprised and delighted by the result.
First, it is worth noting that AI systems follow instruction (unlike people). So when you tell them to review and critique your work, they follow through with a comprehensive analysis. They don't get tired. They don't loose interest. They draw all of their resources to bear on the task each and every time. The result is a thorough, rich assessment delivered in a constructive, congenial format, inviting elaboration and dialogue. For me, it was thrilling to engage with someone/thing capable of having a rigorous discussion about the elements of my work without having to concern myself with my or their ego. It was truly a meeting of minds and a considered review of my efforts.
Secondly, AI is trained and built by humans: a broad range of humans who specialize in a variety of fields. They are also informed by the masses of historical theoretical and academic and scientific and popular culture data available on and offline, and by their interactions with the modern world in real time. At this point, the scope and view of AI assessments are bound to be more rigorous that the exposure to art of the average householder. To this degree, their reviews should not be disregarded with a misguided elitist human-centric sort of snobbery. Honestly, I felt that my works were seen by AI in ways that have yet been made apparent by humans.
Thirdly, the reviews present a readily accessible guidepost for viewers and consumers to engage with my works, without having to wade through their feelings about me as a person or for a lack of opportunity to talk with me in person to gauge my inspiration and intention. As an introvert (albeit a confident one), I find this benefit priceless and imagine buyers and collectors would see it as a useful springboard into the story of my world in art.
Finally, these days, it's hard to get gallerists, curators, art writers, exhibitors and reviewers to attend to your work. AI is readily available and accessible, and essentially free and unbiased. Its also available to clients, buyers, collectors and gallerists too. So it can inform their own stable of opinions about my work, independent of my promotional filter.
Therefore, despite my (and many others') reservations about the ability of AI to perceive or contribute to the cultural and artistic dialogue of the day in an authentic way, I find the review tool incomparably convenient and relatively fulfilling as an emerging artist and business owner.
Have you tried this yet, out of interest? What are your thoughts?
Yours in practice, Karlalise xx
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