It is worth noting that this article was not written with the use of artificial intelligence (AI). It’s an Etownian original. Elizabethtown College is home to artists of all kinds, from musicians to graphic designers, and those who appreciate the visual arts have no doubt heard various news stories about AI art.
AI tools have made their presence known everywhere from schools to research programs to, of course, art. The question has been whether artificial intelligence has any place in an artistic space.
Etown College’s High Library recently held an installation that serves as a strong oppositional voice against AI’s encroachment.
“We are the Artists” is a zine created by junior graphic design major Ariel Abbott. Her goal was to create a self-published work that platformed the online art community’s general views regarding AI in art.
Many artists online have ethical concerns about its usage because it isn’t necessarily creating something new. It steals the existing work of online creators and cannot properly cite them.
Abbott spoke with The Etownian to answer some questions about the installation, beginning with her personal thoughts on AI in the art sphere and whether it has any place.
“My thoughts on AI in the art sphere is that it can’t take other artists’ artwork without permission because artists work so hard on their artwork,” Abbot said. “Whether it’s illustration or design, artists shouldn’t be competing against AI in the art business because creating AI art robs artists’ creativity and chances of success. Currently, AI has a place to help us brainstorm and use as a tool for time management but not to generate art from a database of stolen artwork and sell it for profit.”
The High Library hosted Abbott’s installation with copies of the zine and pins to take. It ran from Jan. 13 to Jan. 31. Abbott wanted it to serve as an educational tool for the general public, specifically those who may not be aware of the relationship between AI art and creators.
“I got my zine in the library thanks to my internship supervisor, Cecile Madonna,” Abbott said.“Last fall semester of 2024, I worked with her local business Lola Love Letter as a graphic design and mural painting intern, and I worked on this project during the internship.”
Madonna is an adjunct professor of graphic design at Etown, and got in touch with the High Library to bring “We Are the Artists” to the high library.
As AI continues to evolve, it becomes essential to hear from human artists who put their work out for public consumption or commerce.
“Unfortunately, I think AI will still remain in the art community, but I’m optimistic that the situation will get better,” Abbot said. “I think it will get better as more people become aware of AI art and point them out online. I don’t see AI completely ruining the art situation and I am hoping there will be laws that will help prevent AI art from making money off of artists who are making a living off their creations.”
Art is a subjective and personal experience, so people may disagree on the value of a specific piece sometimes. In the case of AI, many artists believe the tool itself is invalidating the pieces created from it. As of right down that is part of the algorithm or its design. Other student artists share Ariel’s stance.
“I’m a hobby artist. I don’t understand the point of AI in art because art is about expressing yourself, and AI takes that all out of it,” junior psychology major Percy Lachman said. “Make bad art. Bad art is better than telling the computer to do it.”
