Artificial Intelligence and its Influence on Visual Art and Artistic Practice

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has arisen as a powerful and transformative force across
various fields, and the realm of visual arts is no exception. The integration of AI into
the artistic process is not just limited to automation or ease—it is reshaping the
very foundations of creativity, authorship, and artistic identity. From algorithmically
generated paintings and AI-assisted illustrations to advanced tools that support image
enhancement, layout design, and concept generation, artists today are operating in
an environment deeply influenced by machine intelligence. The boundaries between
human creativity and machine-generated outputs are becoming increasingly blurred.
Contemporary artists are not only adopting AI tools for efficiency or innovation but
are also engaging critically with the implications of algorithmic creativity. These shifts
raise profound questions about what it means to create, who or what constitutes an
artist, and how originality is defined in an age where machines can learn from vast
visual databases and mimic stylistic patterns. This research paper will explore the
multifaceted impact of AI on visual art and artists by examining specific technological
advancements such as generative adversarial networks (GANs), neural style transfer,
and text-to-image creators. It will also delve into broader cultural and philosophical
discussions about authorship, ownership, and aesthetic value. Through case studies,
critical theory, and contemporary practices, this paper will argue that AI is not merely
a new set of tools for artists—it is a disruptive agent that challenges traditional artistic
paradigms and invites a rethinking of what it means to create visual art in the 21st
century.