What’s an artistic medium?
It’s the thing artists use to make art.
Like canvas for painters.
Clay for sculptors.
Video for directors.
Or recordings for musicians.
This post explores how to use generative AI as an artistic medium.
TL;DR
A new artistic medium → AI
One that’s alive → generative
Artists releasing AI models or applications.
For inviting fans to co-create with them.
Art designed for interaction.
Opening up new generative, artistic possibilities.
Generative AI also scales digitally.
Enabling the mass consumption of generative art online.
AI as a tool
AI is not just a tool.
It’s becoming a medium in its own right.
And artists aren’t just using AI to help them make art.
They’re using it as the art.
Made available to the public for interaction.
Interactive medium
The line between artists and fans is blurring.
And artists are inviting fans to co-create with them.
With the help of AI.
Releasing AI models is like publishing (unfinished) art.
Such models represent an new form of interactive media.
That allows new degrees of interaction.
Allows fans to co-crate with artists.
Art consumers are becoming co-creators.
Then.. Who owns what? And who owns the final artistic piece?
By using AI as an interactive medium, artists critically engage with such questions.
Let’s see some examples.
AI vocals
Holly Herndon, Grimes or Sevdaliza released AI versions of their voices.
Fans can now produce songs using their likeness.
Imagine remixing your favorite artist—with their blessing.
Using an artist’s AI likeness raises questions about consent, credit, and compensation.
To address this, Holly and Grimes require their approval prior to any official release with their AI voices.
Revenue is also shared.
Holly splits 50% for the artist, 40% for tool development, and 10% for herself.
While Grimes goes 50% for the artist and 50% for herself.
Visual installations
Artists can also set up AI models to generate images live.
A good example is the “Uncanny Mirror” by Mario Klingemann.
You don’t just look—you interact.
You shape the art just by being there.
Generative AI albums
Fans can also engage with generative AI albums.
Similarly to how visitors interact with installations.
A great example is SEVDALIZA’s KANS KAPUTT album.
You can experiment with her album online!
Fans can use generative AI to remix her tracks.
And release their versions.
With profits shared between SEVDALIZA and the fans.
Generative
At the end of the day, AI is a model.
A statistical model trained on data.
That it can be generative.
Meaning it can create new art renditions every time.
Opening up interesting generative, artistic opportunities.
Yet, generative art is not new.
Musicians like Brian Eno or Earle Brown already explored generative music.
But their generative approaches required..
Interestingly, generative AI scales digitally.
Facilitating the potential mass consumption of generative art online.
Disclaimer. The views expressed are my own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of my employer.