Humanoid robot Ai-Da's Alan Turing portrait fetches $1.3M at Sotheby's auction

[Innovabble]

 

A new chapter in art history unfolded when AI God, a portrait of computing pioneer and World War II codebreaker Alan Turing, sold for an unprecedented $1.3 million (£1m) at Sotheby's Digital Art Sale. Created by the humanoid robot artist Ai-Da, the artwork shattered expectations, selling for more than seven times its estimated value and marking the first time a humanoid robot's creation has achieved such prominence at a major auction house.

 

The creator, Ai-Da, represents a fascinating convergence of artistry and technology. Named after Ada Lovelace, the world's first computer programmer, this ultra-realistic humanoid robot combines sophisticated artificial intelligence with physical artistic capabilities. Through cameras in her eyes and advanced AI algorithms, Ai-Da captures and processes images while engaging in creative discussions with studio collaborators to refine her artistic vision. The final portrait was brought to life using a 3D textured printer, bridging the gap between digital conception and physical artistry.

 

AI God is more than just a technological achievement; it's a deeply symbolic work that captures the zeitgeist of our era. The portrait depicts Turing's face through fragmented planes and muted tones, an artistic choice that resonates with both his personal struggles and his prescient concerns about artificial intelligence's future impact. The work's ethereal quality invites viewers to contemplate the profound implications of AI's expanding role in society—a dialogue that Turing himself initiated in the 1950s.

 

 

Aidan Meller, director of Ai-Da Robot Studios, frames this historic sale as a watershed moment for both art and society. The artwork mirrors our rapidly evolving relationship with AI technology, challenging traditional notions of creativity and consciousness. The irony is not lost that Turing, who laid the groundwork for modern computing and artificial intelligence, is now immortalized by the very technology he helped conceive.

 

This record-breaking sale raises compelling questions about the future of creative expression. As we stand at the intersection of human creativity and artificial intelligence, we must consider: How will this relationship evolve? Will AI-created artworks become the new normal in prestigious galleries and collections? Perhaps most poignantly, would Turing view this milestone as a triumph of his vision or a validation of his concerns about AI's potential impact on human society?

 

• https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpqdvz4w45wo
• https://www.the-independent.com/news/uk/ada-lovelace-alan-turing-billie-eilish-united-nations-london-b2643454.html
• https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14057271/robot-artist-portrait-alan-turing-portrait-ai-da-sotheby.html

 

Opening image: Ai-Da