[Scrutinizing AI] The Beginning of AI Art (1)

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

Chapter 2. The Beginning of AI Art (1)

Text and images contributed by Lee Eun-jun (special professor at aSSIST University)

Recently, I visited the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York to explore the beginnings of AI art. The main attraction was the exhibition of AARON by Harold Cohen, a British artist who developed the computer program capable of creating artwork.

In the late 1960s, Cohen, working at the University of California, devised software named AARON, which marked a significant milestone in the early stages of AI art. This exhibition aimed to demonstrate how AI can contribute to art creation, reflecting the modern art trend that explores the intersection of art and technology.

In the 1970s and 1980s, a period marked by the fusion of art and technology, various forms of technology-based art emerged, including video art, digital art, and interactive art. Through the development of AARON in 1970, Cohen proved that computers could create original artworks.

During that time, computers were primarily used for calculations and data processing, making the concept of using them for art creation highly innovative. AARON illustrated that computers could evolve from mere tools into independent creators of art.

AARON's innovative approach serves as an important case study in exploring the role of AI in creative domains. Since the 1970s, AARON has demonstrated that computers can autonomously draw, establishing itself as one of the first attempts to integrate AI into the art creation process and securing a notable position in the history of AI art.

The Whitney Museum showcased AARON's art creation process, from early black-and-white sketches to more complex, color-infused compositions. This exhibition was particularly timely, addressing the ongoing debate about whether AI-created works can be considered art. By hosting this exhibition, the Whitney Museum appeared to endorse the integration of AI and art, providing a platform for new discussions and knowledge about their relationship.

Throughout the exhibition, various artworks generated by AARON were displayed, showing its evolution from simple line drawings to complex, colorful compositions.

AARON's pieces are characterized by geometric and abstract forms, created by interpreting Cohen's commands and using an automated pen on paper. AARON also decides on colors during the painting stage, assigning appropriate colors to different objects; for instance, it avoids using green for faces.

During the exhibition, AARON continuously generated artworks in real-time, allowing visitors to witness the drawing process firsthand.

An accompanying researcher explained the creation process, noting that AARON produced new artworks daily, with well-crafted pieces being added to the walls.

Close inspection of the displayed artworks revealed pieces created just days before the visit, providing a vivid sense of the most recent works.

Detailed explanations of AARON's functioning and algorithms were available on exhibition panels, educating visitors on how AARON operates and creates art. The exhibition concluded with Cohen's research notes and sketches, offering deep insights into his intended message, leading visitors to exclaim in admiration:

"Look at this! This is so amazing!"