The Value of Human Creativity

artwork by Rachel Clites

No matter what anyone will claim, machines will not replace the value of genuine human creativity. Artists are sometimes lectured by the tech-bros to ‘evolve or be replaced’, ‘embrace AI’, ‘work with AI, not against AI’. However, what these tech-bros fail to understand is how the art world operates. Virtually every established gallery you will find has sidelined artificial intelligence content. Same with art fairs. Why? Because no collector wants to pay thousands of dollars for something which was created with a few command prompts. Automated trash. Slop. Not only collectors, even the anti-commercial avant-garde crowd has largely shunned the practice of automation because they find the process stale and lame.

artwork by Steve Moors

In fact, a quiet anti-tech revolution is taking place. Photographers are ditching Photoshop and other photographic-enhancement programs to leave their photography completely unedited. Also, scores of photographers have even abandoned digital photography entirely and embraced analogue format. Vinyl LP’s are making a comeback because people are starting to realize the sound quality is noticeably better than CD’s and other more modern forms of audio records. Writers are throwing a revolt against AI-writing and AI-enhanced software which alter writing for grammar. Publishers are now even demanding writers sign documents, officially certifying their writing was not produced or altered by artificial intelligence or AI-assisted software.

artwork by Rachel Clites

Throughout the recent history of Titan Contemporary Publishing, we have terminated writers who we discovered wrote with artificial intelligence. Ended partnerships and working relationships, all over artificial intelligence. As far as we are concerned, we literally don’t care if we become the last publisher on earth who does not write with artificial intelligence or publish AI content. So be it. We are willing to deal with the consequences and gains from our decision. 

artwork by Steve Moors

Artists in the catalogue who use digital technology without automation in their art include Rachel Clites and Steve Moors. Both of these individuals are ‘digital artists’, but use ‘analogue’ processes of manually drawing and painting the effects and pixels onto their images. They use programs such as Procreate, which is software completely devoid of AI tools. Their clean lines, gradation of subtle tone, and intricate transparent effects provides a breath of fresh air into new media. A form of painting without the predictability of ‘paint’. In such a regard, their work can be more closely related to printmaking, in the solidity of the forms and solid structure of their images. 

artwork by Jaina Cipriano

Photographers who don’t use Photoshop include Jaina Cipriano and Shawna Ankenbrandt. These two particular artists approach the figure differently. Jaina uses handmade theatrical props and stage sets to convey conceptual expressions while Shawna’s arthouse documentary approach captures figures frolicing in nature. Both of these photographers leave their photography completely unedited in order to reveal a raw aesthetic. Revealing imperfection as a strength rather than a disadvantage in the objectivity of creative expression.

artwork by Shawna Ankenbrandt

Katharine Kollman and Paige Young use analogue photography differently. They both find the grainy texture and rich contrast to convey a deep authentic aesthetic. Katharine Kollman redefines aquatic photography by shooting in black and white analogue format, capturing swimming figures exploring coral reefs. The lack of color, however, makes these ecosystems feel like extraterrestrial environments rather than colorful displays of wonder. In her photography the coral reefs almost appear like husks, dry and dead yet intriguing. Paige Young is not a traditional analogue photographer, rather, she ‘formats’ old photographs of relatives and assembles them in the lab to print. She also shoots analogue photographs of antiquated interiors from older relatives, followed by light interference, flares, distortions, and over-exposure.

artwork by Katharine Kollman

There are plenty of artists who are not jumping on the AI bandwagon. Probably because they have a backbone and frankly don’t need AI to express themselves through unique avenues. Their authentic creativity shows in their willingness to not completely abandon technology, but refuse to have their artistic process automated for them through the numbingly stupid simplicity of command prompts. Some fields have caved in, however. Journalists and content writers are now expected to incorporate AI into their writing or face termination or expulsion from job opportunities. For these fields, many of them are not even provided the option to opt-out. This AI tyranny will not stand as long as we are willing to push back and collectively say ‘NO’ to slop, no to automation in creativity, and no to tech-bro philosophy.

artwork by Paige Young