AI-Generated Imagery: A New Era for the `Readymade'

TL;DR

This paper explores the philosophical and artistic implications of AI-generated images, proposing that some can be considered 'readymades' in art due to their visual properties and the discourse surrounding them.

Contribution

It introduces a philosophical perspective on AI-generated imagery, framing some outputs as 'readymades' and challenging traditional art classifications.

Findings

AI images can be considered 'readymades' based on visual properties

Philosophical frameworks support viewing AI images as art

Discourse influences classification of AI-generated imagery

Abstract

While the term `art' defies any concrete definition, this paper aims to examine how digital images produced by generative AI systems, such as Midjourney, have come to be so regularly referred to as such. The discourse around the classification of AI-generated imagery as art is currently somewhat homogeneous, lacking the more nuanced aspects that would apply to more traditional modes of artistic media production. This paper aims to bring important philosophical considerations to the surface of the discussion around AI-generated imagery in the context of art. We employ existing philosophical frameworks and theories of language to suggest that some AI-generated imagery, by virtue of its visual properties within these frameworks, can be presented as `readymades' for consideration as art.