Art and Algorithms

Abstract

In this article, I want to differentiate between two uses of technology to aid artistic creation: augmentative use and substitutive use. I defend the idea that most of the historical relationship between art and technology has been framed within an augmentative use, that is, technology has helped artists in the creation, production and distribution of their art. However, digital technologies (ICT) and in particular the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems and algorithms are causing a paradigm shift from augmentative to substitutive use. The substitutive use of certain technologies -AI systems and algorithms- implies a radical transformation in the nature of art, its value and the role of the artist. Currently, AI systems and algorithms can paint, compose music and write text in a non-supervised way. Having said that, I want to reflect on the philosophical implications of the progressive substitutive use of technology in art to explore questions such as: Can machines create art? Can we talk about machine creativity? Can a machine claim copyright or intellectual property of a work?