Ai-Da, a humanoid robot artist powered by artificial intelligence, is set to make history as the first of its kind to have a painting auctioned at a major art institution, according to Sotheby’s. The auction house will present the artwork next month in London, marking a milestone in the intersection of AI and the art world.
The piece, titled “AI God,” is a 2.2-meter (7.5-foot) portrait of British mathematician and computing pioneer Alan Turing. Described as “haunting,” the work is anticipated to sell for between £100,000 and £150,000 ($130,000 to $196,000).
Sotheby’s upcoming online Digital Art Sale, running from October 31 to November 7, will feature a range of digital art that examines the convergence of technology and artistic expression. Ai-Da, created by a team led by gallery owner Aidan Meller in collaboration with AI experts from Oxford and Birmingham universities, embodies one of the world’s most sophisticated humanoid robots.
With realistic features, including large eyes, a human-like face, and a brown wig, Ai-Da uses advanced AI algorithms, cameras embedded in its eyes, and bionic hands to produce its artwork. Meller noted that the muted tones and fragmented planes in the Turing portrait reflect the struggles he foresaw with AI. Turing, known for his WWII codebreaking and contributions to computing, had voiced concerns about artificial intelligence as early as the 1950s.
Meller commented on the symbolic nature of Ai-Da’s art, which he described as “ethereal and haunting,” adding that it raises questions about the trajectory of AI and humanity’s quest to harness its power. Ai-Da has previously painted portraits of renowned musicians, including Billie Eilish and Paul McCartney, for Glastonbury Festival in 2022.
Key Points:
- Historic Auction: Ai-Da, a humanoid robot artist, will become the first AI-powered robot to have a painting auctioned at a major auction house, Sotheby’s, next month in London.
- Artwork Details: The portrait, titled “AI God,” depicts Alan Turing and is expected to sell for £100,000 to £150,000 ($130,000 to $196,000).
- Exhibition Context: Sotheby’s Digital Art Sale, from October 31 to November 7, will explore the intersection of art and technology through various digital art forms.
- Robot Capabilities: Ai-Da, designed to resemble a human with facial features and a brown wig, uses AI algorithms, cameras, and bionic hands to create art.
- Artist Background: Ai-Da was developed by Aidan Meller in collaboration with AI specialists from Oxford and Birmingham universities.
- Turing Tribute: The portrait’s style reflects Turing’s concerns about AI’s future, using muted tones and fragmented planes to symbolize potential challenges.
- Ai-Da’s Past Work: In 2022, Ai-Da created portraits of famous musicians, including Billie Eilish and Paul McCartney, for the Glastonbury Festival.
