According to Decrypt, Sotheby's has commenced bidding on the first artwork created by a humanoid robot. The piece, titled 'A.I. God,' is a portrait of computer science pioneer Alan Turing, created by Ai-Da, an ultra-realistic robot artist equipped with AI algorithms and mechanical arms. The 7.5-foot-tall portrait, featuring haunting imagery with muted tones and broken facial planes, will be part of Sotheby's Digital Art Sale from October 31 to November 7. It is expected to fetch between $120,000 and $180,000.
Michael Bouhanna, Sotheby's Head of Digital Art, highlighted the strategic timing of this auction, noting the growing interest in the intersection of art and technology, particularly among younger collectors. Bouhanna mentioned that Ai-Da's works have been on his radar since visiting the robot's studio in St. Ives, UK, in 2021. He noted that the past two years have seen a significant increase in interest in AI art, making it the right time to bring such works to market. Sotheby's Digital Art Department, launched in 2021, has already generated over $200 million in sales.
Luba Elliott, a curator specializing in artificial intelligence in creative industries, pointed out that while there have been several auctions for AI art, this one is unique due to Ai-Da being a humanoid robot. Elliott believes this auction will help broaden the definition of AI art and push the boundaries of creative expression in the digital age. Ai-Da herself commented on the artwork, stating that it commemorates Alan Turing's contributions to computing and AI, aligning with the United Nations' ethos of responsible AI use.
Aidan Meller, Director of the Ai-Da Robot Studio, emphasized the deeper significance of the artwork, noting that it evokes the concerns Alan Turing raised in the 1950s about the use of AI. The auction, which also features works by prominent digital artists like Xcopy, Pak, and Refik Anadol, signals a maturing market for AI-created art. Elliott underscores that the importance of this sale lies not just in the auction itself but in how it broadens the definition of AI art and expands the boundaries of creative expression in the digital age.
