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First Auctioned Robot-Made Artwork Sells for Over $1M

Image copyright: Lian Yi/Xinhua/Contributor via Getty Images

The Facts

  • A portrait of English mathematician Alan Turing made by the humanoid robot Ai-Da was sold at Sotheby's in New York on Thursday for $1.08M. This marked the first auction sale of a humanoid robot's artwork.

  • The digital image of Alan Turing, known as the pioneer of modern computer science, titled "A.I. God," received 27 bids and was anticipated to sell for about $180K.


The Spin

Narrative A

Thursday's sale marks a watershed moment in the history of modern art and demonstrates how the partnership between humans and machines opens up a whole new world of innovation and creativity. The fact that this sale transcended expectations by fetching an astounding $1M speaks for itself: AI is the future.

Narrative B

AI "art" is an oxymoron. Humans make art with creativity and intent, not algorithms. AI-generated "art" not only negatively impacts professional artists, but also discourages those aspiring to pursue careers in the art field. From movies to TV series and music to paintings, it seems that no area of the creative community is safe.


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