Victor Wong challenges traditional art with AI-generated Chinese ink paintings

In 2018, a significant moment in the art world occurred when Christie's auctioned a piece of art created by artificial intelligence, fetching an astounding $432,500. Hong Kong-based artist Victor Wong was not impressed by this development, viewing it as lackluster. Seeking to carve a unique niche in the art landscape, Wong introduced his creation, AI Gemini, an innovative AI-driven robot capable of producing traditional Chinese landscape paintings. Represented by the 3812 Gallery, Wong claims his robot is the 'first-ever artificial intelligence ink artist in the world.' The machine uses algorithms to interpret custom data sets that Wong selects, allowing it to paint mountain contours on Xuan paper, known for its thin, rice-paper texture traditionally used in Asian ink painting. Notably, one painting series was inspired by China's lunar rover's mission and utilized a NASA 3D moon map for data. Wong further applies various datasets, like stock prices, with their fluctuations portrayed as mountainous landscapes. The application of colors requires the robot to undergo deep learning in traditional ink landscape painting, while the quantity of water used in the painting execution fluctuates based on humidity. The completion of a one-meter-tall painting usually takes about eight to ten hours, showcasing the intricate process involved. Since introducing AI Gemini, Wong has held multiple exhibitions in major cities, including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Taipei, and London. His creations have garnered attention from collectors, with pieces selling for around $20,000, and he has collaborated with corporations, including Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific airline. Wong maintains a vision of blending human creativity with technological advancements to create unprecedented art forms. However, the integration of AI into art remains controversial, with critics arguing AI art lacks originality and often draws from copyrighted materials. Wong refutes these criticisms, stating that instead of merely replicating traditional artworks, he has developed an algorithm to mimic styles in unique ways. Despite his efforts, visitors at his exhibitions often challenge the validity of his creations, declaring, 'It's not art!' The fusion of robotics and art has become an area of exploration for various artists, with Wong advocating that technological innovations should be embraced as part of the artistic process. Drawing parallels to the historical use of the paintbrush in China during the Han dynasty, he argues that the incorporation of AI into art is a natural evolution that cannot be ignored, even as society grapples with fully accepting this transformation within the artistic sphere. Simply put, Wong believes that as AI becomes further integrated into daily life, it is essential for the art community to recognize and adapt to these changes despite ongoing reservations.