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Christie’s AI Art Auction Faces Backlash Over Copyright Concerns

The auction, featuring 34 AI-generated artworks, has drawn criticism from artists alleging exploitation of copyrighted material.

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A person looks at AI artwork created by Grimes, Mac Boucher, Mary Jacobo and Eurypheus called ‘Marie Antoinette After the Singularity #2’
(Photo by spatuletail on Shutterstock)
A person looks at AI artwork created by Holly Herndon and Mat Dryhurst called‘Embedding Study 1 & 2 (from the xhairymutantx series)’

Overview

  • Christie’s is hosting its first-ever auction dedicated to AI-generated art, titled 'Augmented Intelligence,' running from February 20 to March 5, 2025.
  • The collection includes works from early AI art pioneers and contemporary creators, with pieces ranging from physical artworks to NFTs and hybrid formats.
  • Over 6,000 artists have signed an open letter urging the auction's cancellation, citing the use of AI models trained on copyrighted works without permission or compensation.
  • Artists and critics are divided, with some defending the innovative potential of AI in art while others argue it undermines traditional artistic labor and intellectual property rights.
  • The controversy underscores broader debates about authorship, authenticity, and the evolving role of technology in creative processes.