Is Al useful. Definitively.
Is Al creative. Probably not.

Many are taking AI quite seriously, asking ChatGTP to create their content, suggest blog ideas, or write whole articles. It’s passed several exams and could earn a few business qualifications (although notably it’s not getting the top grades). Serious business.

Others are just having fun. Forget about creating an online course outline. Let’s just create art. “John Lennon walking into a McDonalds, eating a vegan burger, saying “Give Peas A Chance, Man” in the style of Edward Hopper”.

Well, easy…peasy.

Reading about AI art recently and a comment that most output is “kitsch” reminded me of one of the most famous kitsch; Chinese Girl, 1952 by Vladimir Tretchikoff (more popularly known as Green Lady).

I put AI to the test, the results are kitsch, but do they have the same emotional connection as the original?

AI can replicate things that we already know based on stuff that already exists. (Whilst also creating a big issue around copyright and intellectual property). Maybe I’ll buy a print of the real thing. (Original print about £200 on eBay, or new prints are generally £25 each).

Fun maybe. But is it creative?
Is AI creating anything new and original?

Probably not.
Yet.

I asked ChatGPT the same quetsion, here's the response.

Can AI Create Kitsch Art?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has advanced rapidly in recent years, but can it create kitsch art? Kitsch is a term used to describe a style of art that is considered to be in poor taste, often because it is considered to be too sentimental, tacky, or commercial. However, despite these negative connotations, kitsch art has a long history and has been loved by many people for generations.

There is no doubt that AI has the ability to create images and designs that are visually appealing. However, the question is whether or not AI can create kitsch art that is truly meaningful or just aesthetically pleasing. To create true kitsch art, the AI must have a sense of the cultural context and an understanding of what makes a piece of art kitschy. This is a complex task that requires an understanding of human emotions and the cultural context in which the art is created.

AI can create images that mimic the visual style of kitsch art, but it cannot replicate the emotional impact that is often associated with kitsch. This emotional impact is what gives kitsch its power and what makes it so appealing to many people. Kitsch is often associated with memories and emotions, and these memories and emotions cannot be replicated by a machine.

In conclusion, while AI may be able to create images that are visually similar to kitsch art, it cannot truly create kitsch art that is meaningful and emotionally impactful. The emotional and cultural context that gives kitsch its power cannot be replicated by a machine. True kitsch art must be created by a human who understands the cultural context and has a connection to the emotions that are associated with it.