Artists unite against mass theft in Christie's AI art auction
- An open letter with over 3,000 signatures calls for the cancellation of Christie's AI art auction.
- Artists claim that AI models were trained on their works without permission and that this constitutes exploitation.
- The auction's controversy highlights significant ethical discussions regarding the use of AI in art.
In New York, an upcoming auction set for February 20, 2025, at Christie's has ignited anger among thousands of artists. Concerns have arisen due to the auction featuring artworks created through artificial intelligence models that were trained on the works of artists without their permission. An open letter has garnered over 3,000 signatures from artists calling for the cancellation of this event, claiming it promotes what they term 'mass theft' of artistic labor. They argue that the AI models exploit original creators by utilizing their work without providing due compensation or consent. The petition highlighted that many of the artworks being sold, with prices ranging from $10,000 to $250,000, were produced using technology that inherently undermines the livelihoods of human artists. One of the leading voices of the petition, Ed Newton-Rex, expressed his belief that the auction rewards companies that engage in exploitative practices against artists. He pointed out that around nine pieces in the auction were generated by AI trained on the artworks of other creators without authorization, calling attention to the broader implications of endorsing such technology within the art market. While some artists have voiced their opposition, others have defended their choice to participate in AI-driven creativity. British artist Mat Dryhurst, whose work is included in the sale, critiqued those calling for a boycott. He argued that the focus should not be on the artists using available technology but rather on the companies developing these AI models. Dryhurst emphasizes that the legality of using AI to create artworks is unquestionable and that discussions around the consequences should center on broader industry practices and policies. Christie's has responded to the backlash by asserting that the works in their upcoming auction represent the innovative intersection of AI and traditional artistic practices. A spokesperson stated that the artists involved have strong, diverse practices, with their works enhanced by the application of artificial intelligence. This development has raised essential discussions about the ethical implications of AI in art, with ongoing debates highlighting the need for clearer guidelines surrounding copyright and AI training practices.