Billionaire Can't Afford $40 Art Commission: Mike Tyson Joins Studio Ghibli Trend

Hayao Miyazaki, the legendary filmmaker and co-founder of Studio Ghibli, may have anticipated the rise of AI art long before it became a hot topic. A few years back, he expressed his disdain for the utilization of AI in animation, stating, “I would never wish to incorporate this technology into my work.” He further emphasized, “I strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself.” This sentiment resonates deeply with those who have celebrated Miyazaki's contributions, especially his commitment to crafting artistic masterpieces that echo with human emotions.

Since creating his first film, Laputa: Castle in the Sky in 1986, Miyazaki has been responsible for a string of beloved classics, including My Neighbor Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Spirited Away. For fans of anime and manga, these films are not just visually captivating; they are rich in heart and depth, leaving viewers with lasting impressions. However, the influx of AI-generated art mimicking Ghibli's style raises concerns about the authenticity and emotional depth that Miyazaki's works encapsulate.

Recently, the internet has been buzzing with a new trend—creating AI-generated art reminiscent of Studio Ghibli. This trend has garnered massive participation, with people even sharing AI-generated portraits of themselves styled as characters from Ghibli films. Among them is Mike Tyson, who also shared an AI-generated Ghibli-style portrait on his social media platform. He captioned it with, “My happy place.” The image shows Tyson in a brown turtleneck, gently holding a white pigeon.

However, as soon as the image was posted, reactions poured in, leading to a mix of admiration and ridicule. One user humorously commented, “Billionaire can’t afford $40 art commission,” suggesting that even a public figure like Tyson could potentially hire an artist for that amount.

Public Reactions to Mike Tyson's AI Portrait

When Tyson entered this digital debate with his Ghibli-style portrait, he likely did not foresee the flood of opinions that would follow. Some users took to the comment section to clarify his financial status. One commented, “Mike Tyson is not a billionaire 😂,” highlighting that his current net worth is estimated at around $20 million. Another user chimed in with, “Mike Tyson is bankrupt, bruh,” referencing his past bankruptcy declaration in 2003. Nonetheless, it is notable that Tyson has successfully regained financial stability since then.

Discussions about the practicality of using AI-generated art ensued as well. One user posed a valid question, “Why pay for something that an app can do for free?” while another suggested a creative idea: “An anime of Iron Mike would be absolutely goated.” This comment echoes a desire for more original content that could stem from Tyson's unique persona.

While many comments leaned towards humor and lighthearted banter, some crossed the line into harsh criticism of the art community. One particularly abrasive insult stated, “Why pay some lgbt person to take 1-4 business days when I can make my slave chatgpt do it in less than 5 min?” This illustrates the contentious nature of the debate surrounding AI art and its place in creative spaces.

Amid the heated discussions, some users couldn't resist making fun of Tyson's distinctive speech pattern, lightheartedly mocking his way of speaking by writing, “My happy plathe.”

Art Community Reactions and Future Implications

As of now, Studio Ghibli has not made any official comments regarding this trend. The absence of a formal agreement between AI development companies and original creators raises questions about copyright and the future of art in the age of AI. As legal jurisdictions navigate the complexities associated with AI-generated content, the phenomenon referred to as “Ghiblification” underscores a broader discourse on how to protect the rights of original creators like Miyazaki while embracing technological innovations.

Ultimately, while the art world grapples with these issues, trends like Mike Tyson’s participation in the Ghibli-style art campaign show that people continue to engage with and enjoy the benefits of AI technology in creative expression. So, what’s your take on AI-generated Ghibli art? Did you take part in this trend like Tyson?

Miyazaki, AI, Tyson