The Work of Art in an Age of Mechanical Generation

Can we define what it means to be “creative,” and, if so, can our definition drive artificial intelligence (AI) systems to feats of creativity indistinguishable from human efforts? The author considers this mixed question from technological and social perspectives. Beginning with an exploration of the value we attach to authenticity in works of art, the article considers the ability of AI to detect forgeries of renowned paintings and, in so doing, somehow reveal the quiddity of a work of art. The author concludes by considering whether evolving technical capability can revise traditional relationships among art, artist, and the market.