Sotheby’s is the first time a renowned auction house has auctioned an artwork painted by a robot. This is a portrait of British computer scientist Alan Turing, which has already been displayed in the United Nations. There it was part of a five-part series of paintings, but now it will be sold alone. According to the dpa news agency, the auction house estimates the painting to be worth 100,000 to 150,000 pounds, or about 120,000 to 180,000 euros. The auction is part ofDigital Art Day Auction“, which runs from October 31 to November 7.
Advertisement
“Responsible” use of AI
The work is titled “AI God”, a reference to Turing’s groundbreaking work that laid some of the most important foundations for modern computer technology. The robot responsible for this work is dressed like a woman and is named after British mathematician Ada Lovelace. The “world’s first hyper-realistic robot artist” has portrayed Queen Elizabeth II, among others, in the past. To do this, the machine uses cameras in its eyes and AI algorithms. His hardware has expanded since he started drawing it only with pencil five years ago.
The Turing Image was first displayed at the United Nations in May 2024. With the auction, Sotheby’s says it aims to explore the intersection between art and technology and to present digital art forms that reflect movements within the contemporary digital art landscape. It will honor pioneering women artists who have played a role in the development of digital art.
AI-Da can also talk due to an unspecified AI language model, but the answers are provided by the artist responsible, Aidan Mellor. Pre-checked and processedNow Device is quoted as saying, “With my artwork of Alan Turing, I honor his achievements and contributions to the development of computer technology and artificial intelligence.” “My artwork is in line with the UN ethos of using AI responsibly – which was also advocated by Alan Turing.”
(mho)
