Scrutinizing AI: The Shadows of AI Art′s Evolution

*Editor’s note: K-VIBE invites experts from various K-culture sectors to share their extraordinary discovery about the Korean culture.

Scrutinizing AI: The Shadows of AI Art's Evolution

Contributed by Lee Eun-jun (professor at Kyungil University)

The rise of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) has turned digital art into a highly valued commodity, with some pieces fetching extraordinary prices at auctions worldwide. This shift reflects the influence of blockchain technology, which has enabled NFTs to serve as markers of ownership and copyright for digital creations.

Since their emergence, NFTs have transformed the landscape of art, offering creators a platform to sell digital artwork, music, and more. Record-breaking sales continue to illustrate this shift. For instance, the viral Nyan Cat video, a pixel art animation of a rainbow-tailed cat flying through space, sold for $590,000 (approximately 700 million KRW) in February 2021.

What began as a cultural meme phenomenon has been elevated to the status of a valuable artistic asset through the blockchain.

▲ This image of Nyan Cat is captured from Wikipedia. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

◇ Democratization or Cultural Inequality?

While NFTs have been praised for discovering and spotlighting previously obscure digital artists, they also raise concerns about their impact on cultural and economic inequality. Prof. Lee Yong-woo of Sogang University’s Transnational Humanities Research Institute noted in a 2021 essay for W Korea that traditional art markets often fostered elitism, closely tied to political and corporate power structures. NFTs, by contrast, have emerged as a counterpoint, gaining traction with a new generation of elites who prioritize ethical and environmental accountability.

However, Prof. Lee also highlighted a critical contradiction: the NFT market’s leading participants remain predominantly middle-class white men, which perpetuates certain exclusions. Despite its promise of accessibility, the NFT ecosystem has not fully bridged societal divides.

▲ "Everydays: The First 5000 Days" by Beeple is captured from the artist's social media post. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

◇ AI and NFTs: New Questions, New Divides

The convergence of AI with NFTs represents another turning point for digital art. AI-generated art, distributed via digital platforms and marketed through NFTs, prompts a reevaluation of what art is and who can access it.

NFTs have undoubtedly played a crucial role in democratizing digital art, enabling artists to secure ownership and monetize their works on the blockchain. They’ve also opened global opportunities for purchasing and owning digital art. Yet, as Prof. Lee pointed out, many remain excluded from this market. The structural inequalities of traditional art spaces are being reproduced in new forms.

One pressing issue is the digital divide—especially as AI further amplifies it. The disparity in access to technology and information not only limits participation in the NFT market but also widens cultural gaps between those who can leverage AI tools and those who cannot.

As NFTs and AI intertwine, their implications for art and society demand careful consideration. The NFT boom has showcased the potential of digital art but also revealed its limitations in fostering true inclusivity. From an artist’s perspective, or as an educator guiding future creators, this evolution raises a critical question: Is this the right path for art?

Addressing the growing digital and cultural inequalities that accompany technological progress will require deliberate effort. The democratization of art should extend beyond market accessibility to encompass true equity in participation and representation. Only then can AI and NFTs fulfill their promise of reshaping the art world for the better.