Sotheby’s is set to make history by auctioning the first-ever artwork created by a humanoid robot using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. On October 31, the renowned auction house will present A.I. God. Portrait of Alan Turing (2024), an artwork created by Ai-Da, a humanoid robot artist. This unique piece portrays Alan Turing, the renowned mathematician and computer scientist, and was produced using Ai-Da’s advanced AI technology.
Ai-Da, designed and developed by U.K.-based art dealer Aidan Meller, is a humanoid robot that looks like a woman, complete with a black bob haircut, casual attire of a t-shirt and denim overalls. The robot is equipped with cameras in its eyes, a robotic arm, and sophisticated AI algorithms that allow it to draw and paint. These technological elements work together, enabling Ai-Da to create intricate and original pieces of art.
The artwork, a mixed media piece on canvas, measures 64 inches by 90 inches and carries an estimated auction value ranging from $120,000 to $180,000. Additionally, the sale comes with a third-party guarantee, ensuring its purchase. A.I. God. Portrait of Alan Turing marks a significant moment in both the art and technology worlds, as it represents a new frontier in how art is created and presented. Aidan Meller, Ai-Da’s creator, shared his thoughts with CBS MoneyWatch, stating that this sale is groundbreaking because it brings the physical presence of a robot into the art world, differentiating it from other AI-generated works. Meller emphasized that this is the first time an artwork produced by such a robot is being auctioned.
Meller also sees the auction of A.I. God. Portrait of Alan Turing as an opportunity to highlight the growing role of AI in society. He noted that AI technology, including humanoid robots like Ai-Da, is advancing rapidly, leading to significant changes in various fields. In his view, art serves as a way to discuss and engage with these technological innovations and their broader implications for society. Meller mentioned that proceeds from the sale will be reinvested into the Ai-Da project, as maintaining and powering the robot is a costly endeavor.
Sotheby’s vice president and head of digital art, Michael Bouhanna, expressed confidence in the market potential for this one-of-a-kind artwork. He acknowledged that while there may be limited historical data to assess the value of works like A.I. God. Portrait of Alan Turing, conversations with prominent collectors in the fields of art and technology have shown strong demand for the piece. Bouhanna noted that these collectors recognize the importance of the work within the emerging AI art space. Their enthusiasm and conviction about the significance of this artwork influenced the decision to set the pre-sale estimate at a level reflecting its anticipated desirability.
Earlier this year, A.I. God. Portrait of Alan Turing was showcased at the AI for Good Global Summit, held at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, in May. The artwork was part of a larger exhibition that included a five-panel polyptych, underscoring its significance in discussions about AI and its role in various industries, including art.
The Sotheby’s auction on October 31 will not only feature Ai-Da’s work but will also include pieces from other notable digital artists. Some of the prominent names in the digital art community whose works will be auctioned include Refik Anadol, PAK, Xcopy, and DesLucrece. These artists have been at the forefront of the digital art movement, creating innovative pieces that blend technology and creativity.
The sale of A.I. God. Portrait of Alan Turing highlights the intersection of art, technology, and AI, pushing boundaries and challenging traditional notions of artistic creation. With AI increasingly becoming a part of daily life, the role of robots and algorithms in the art world is sparking discussions about the future of creativity. Ai-Da’s unique ability to create physical artworks through a combination of AI and robotics sets it apart from digital-only AI-generated art, making this upcoming Sotheby’s auction an event that could shape the future of AI in the creative industries.
As the art world embraces new technologies, the sale of Ai-Da’s A.I. God. Portrait of Alan Turing is likely to attract attention from both traditional art collectors and those with an interest in digital and AI-driven art. With its strong market potential and historical significance, the auction of this groundbreaking piece marks an exciting moment in the ever-evolving relationship between art and technology.
