With the rapid growth and implementation of AI’s in numerous fields, the art world is finding itself in a wave of uncertainty, wondering if their job could also be replaced by these algorithms.
Just when we were recovering from the post-pandemic backlashes and transitioning back into the normal world, came a new character that completely took a turn on our lives: Artificial Intelligence. What started as a fun and harmless trend of creating impossible images where Pope Francis could be imagined wearing Gucci with programs like DALL-E, has quickly become a topic of debate questioning the limits and the lack of legislation around something as new as these content and image generating systems.
In order to put a little humor into this whole AI situation, we wanted to see the extent to which art can become another victim. How far can ChatGPT go? Is there such a thing as the perfect contemporary art exhibition?
We first asked the AI engine “the keys for the perfect exhibition”, and to summarize the main idea wasn’t too far off.
Creating the perfect contemporary art exhibition involves careful planning, curation, and execution. The perfect contemporary art exhibition is subjective and may vary based on the context, target audience, and goals of the exhibition. Flexibility, creativity, and a deep understanding of the artworks and their context are crucial for a successful exhibition.
ChatGPT provided very surface level knowledge, so we then tried to dig even deeper, like what the concept and main foundation of the exhibition could be.
“Of course.” Here are some examples for the key element of the theme or concept of a contemporary art exhibition that the AI shared with us.
Identity and Belonging
Climate Crisis and Sustainability
Technology and Human Connection
Power and Politics
Memory and History
Urbanization and Urban Life
Body and Identity
Globalization and Cultural Exchange
We decided on “Climate crisis and sustainability”. The next step? Choosing the artists:
Pretty solid options for the theme of the exhibition, but the focus was on emerging and young artists who are exploring the theme of climate crisis and sustainability in their work.
Certainly! Here are some emerging and young artists engaging with the theme of climate crisis and sustainability:
Tega Brain
Dana Sherwood
Justin Brice Guariglia
Zaria Forman
Tabita Rezaire
David Benjamin Sherry
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- Justin Brice Guariglia
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- Tabita Rezaire
Not even two minutes in the conversation and an issue arose when asking the AI for specific artworks of each artist. Since ChatGPT gave me non existing artworks, after informing through the chat on this mistake the response was the following:
I apologize for any confusion caused. As an AI language model, I generate responses based on the information available up until September 2021, and I do not have real-time access to current data or specific search results. The artists and artworks I mentioned may not be widely known or easily searchable. They were provided as hypothetical examples based on the given context. For accurate and up-to-date information on specific artists and their artworks, I recommend conducting a thorough search using reliable art databases, galleries, or websites dedicated to contemporary art.
Either way, ignoring the fact that the AI had quite literally made up artworks, we also needed to know the gallery/venue of the exhibition. To assure maximum attendance let’s go with New York City. At first glance, the first suggestions by ChatGPT were way off our imaginary budget (Whitney Museum, New Museum, MoMa…), so we had to ask for a more “underground” place.
The Knockdown Center: Located in Queens, The Knockdown Center is a multidisciplinary arts space that hosts a wide range of events, including art exhibitions, performances, and music shows, in a repurposed factory building.
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- The Knockdown Center
We have the place, we have the artists now we just need the name of the exhibition:
Very self-explanatory titles, but while considering the amount of exhibitions there are in New York, we would need a more evocative name that can attract a big audience and for ChatGPT the ideal title is: Arcane Reveries.
To finish off our exhibition we wanted to put the AI to the ultimate test and see the final exhibition paper, this is crucial for critics and the public to understand. We gave the AI only one chance, so here is the final result:
Arcane Reveries: Art’s Journey into the Secrets of the Earth is an immersive exhibition hosted at The Knockdown Center, where artists Tega Brain, Dana Sherwood, Justin Brice Guariglia, Zaria Forman, Tabita Rezaire, and David Benjamin Sherry converge to explore the profound connection between art, climate crisis, sustainability, and the enigmatic depths of our planet. Through their diverse artistic expressions, they invite viewers to embark on a transformative journey, unlocking the mysteries of our fragile world.
As visitors enter the exhibition, they encounter Tega Brain’s interactive installations that challenge our technological reliance and advocate for more sustainable approaches. Dana Sherwood’s works delve into the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and nature, prompting viewers to reevaluate our relationship with the natural world.
Justin Brice Guariglia’s art confronts the urgent issue of climate change, urging viewers to recognize their role in shaping the future and inspiring collective action. Zaria Forman’s artworks transport visitors to the polar regions, raising awareness about the impacts of climate change on delicate ecosystems.
Tabita Rezaire’s thought-provoking installations explore spirituality, ecology, and the vital role of water in sustaining life. David Benjamin Sherry’s art captures the beauty of nature while underscoring the need for conservation.
Arcane Reveries: Art’s Journey into the Secrets of the Earth delves deep into the complex themes of climate crisis and sustainability. The exhibition prompts viewers to confront the pressing environmental challenges we face, encouraging introspection and a deeper understanding of our interconnectedness with the Earth. Through their artistic narratives, the featured artists evoke a sense of awe, urgency, and contemplation, inviting visitors to consider their role as custodians of the planet and advocates for change.
At first glance, Chat GPT may impress with its quick capacity to answer questions, but if we look deeper we find artworks that don’t exist, ideas that don’t corroborate, and far-fetched venues.
The question of whether artificial intelligences will replace the role of the curator is a way of simplifying the profession. Beyond choosing artists, concepts or venues, the curator is responsible for humanizing contemporary creation and generating a community by translating art into something almost tangible.
In the absence of context and emotions, the AI remains a simple tool to turn to, but it lacks the necessary skills to tackle the execution of an exhibition. So, the next time the question of a chatbot as an all-powerful being capable of doing and solving everything, simply make use of this program to realize that such concerns are nonsense.