A.I. Used To Win Fine Arts Competitions. Does it Count?

Jason Allen won the Colorado State Fair fine art competition with his submission of the “Théâtre D’opéra Spatial” using an AI art program. He spent 80 hours and used an Artificial Intelligence program that turns text descriptions into images. 

The two judges say they did not know that the piece was created by an A.I. program, but they would have given him first place either way. 

Soon after Allen won, people took to twitter declaring that his piece shouldn’t have been counted because the computer made the art. Allen believes that the backlash is stemming from fear. Fear that if creative jobs aren’t safe from machines everyone is in danger of losing their jobs to machines.

“As a traditional artist who also uses A.I. to create artworks, I think this really opens the door for artists and creative people in general. I can’t wait to see the future of A.I. Art.” Mr. Bauer, Art teacher at Point Pleasant Boro High School said.