AI Art: Pioneering Fusion of Technology and Creativity

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

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

One of the most representative cases of AI in art is Google's “DeepDream” project.

In 2015, Google introduced the DeepDream generator, announcing, "We believe AI can be an innovation that profoundly impacts the realm of art."

This marked a significant declaration of the convergence of art and artificial intelligence.

DeepDream utilizes deep learning technology to interpret and visualize what AI perceives from a given photo based on its learned data.

The “DeepDream Generato” is a program that changes the atmosphere of a picture according to user specifications. Initially,

it was known for generating overly surreal images, earning the nickname “nightmare painting.”

▲ A notable example of DeepDream's application is the modified version of the Mona Lisa.

By uploading a regular image, the DeepDream algorithm can transform it into a completely new image with an unusual atmosphere, providing a unique feel not present in the original.

Users can apply styles of famous artists like Van Gogh and Renoir, achieving new artistic expressions through patterns and forms visualized by neural networks.

Since its release, numerous artists have utilized DeepDream to create new forms of art, producing fantastical and surreal images that offer viewers aesthetic experiences beyond traditional artistic methods.

DeepDream serves as a prime example of AI's potential impact on art creation, with generated images often reminiscent of dreamscapes.

Another significant instance of AI art is the use of “GAN” (Generative Adversarial Networks).

GANs consist of two competing neural networks that learn from each other, capable of generating highly realistic images.

In 2018, an AI-generated portrait, “Edmond de Belamy,” sold for $432,500 at Christie's auction, drawing substantial attention. This portrait, created through the AI's learning of numerous classical portraits, presents a unique charm distinct from traditional works, exemplifying AI's contribution to artistic creation.

These cases underscore AI's influence on art creation, demonstrating how technologies like DeepDream and GAN generate unprecedented aesthetic experiences.

These tools not only represent technological achievements but also explore and redefine the essence of art. AI art reestablishes the boundaries between technology and creativity, opening new possibilities for artistic expression. Historically, art has evolved in tandem with technological advancements, and AI continues this trajectory.

Just as Stieglitz and Warhol expanded artistic horizons through photography and silkscreen techniques, AI technology unveils new artistic potentials.

The potential shown by DeepDream and GAN in art creation is immense. They visualize hidden patterns in images and produce new forms of art, creating unique works with distinct appeal.

These AI artworks offer a high level of aesthetics unachievable by conventional methods, contributing to exploring and redefining the essence of art.

This transformation should be seen not merely as technological progress but as an opportunity to redefine the essence of art, paving the way for a new era where tradition and innovation coexist in harmony.