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AI, Art, & Fairies: Counting fingers to new meanings of Art.
Contemplating on what “art” is, after playing with Midjourney and ChatGPT
It’s becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between what is real and what is not. With the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning, it’s now possible for computers to generate incredibly realistic images and text that can fool even the most discerning of viewers. Misinformation and propaganda and all that, but that’s not what I want to talk about. Although the same skillset for interpreting fake or real content is crucial.
Just as travelers of old were warned to be wary of the fae and fairy who might lure them into traps, we must be vigilant in checking for the signs that something is not as it seems.
Fairytales
There are many folktales and legends about fairies, or other supernatural beings, who might appear to humans in the form of a stranger in the woods. According to these stories, one common method is to look closely at their physical characteristics: Are their ears pointy? Do they have 5 fingers? Are they webbed? Are the hair strands shimmering? Fairies are often depicted as mischievous; they might try to mislead or deceive those who encounter them. If the stranger seems to be playing games or behaving in a way that seems out of the ordinary, it could be a sign that they are not human.
Looking out for AI manipulation
When it comes to images, there are a few key things to look for. First, check the fingers. In many cases, AI-generated images will have distorted or disproportionate fingers. This is because it’s difficult for computers to accurately replicate the subtle nuances of human anatomy.
Another thing to look for is the face. Is it realistic? Does it have the same level of detail and nuance as a real person’s face?
The render quality of illustrations continuously improve. All of them are technically impressive pieces. Where is the room for humans in this then?
