Suspicious Adversary: Can Photographers and AI Coexist?

For many photographers, artificial intelligence (AI) can feel like a threat. As technology advances, computers now possess the power to quickly and inexpensively create images that mimic the traditional work photographers have been doing for over a century. This development raises concerns about the future of photography, especially for those in commercial fields, as AI has already begun to take over some roles.

Interestingly, the Colorado Photographic Arts Center (CPAC) serves as both a supporter and a challenger for photographers. Based in Denver, this nonprofit has dedicated 62 years to promoting photography through exhibitions, public events, and educational programs. Their mission emphasizes the importance of photography as an art form, and they have been a pivotal resource for photographers navigating the shift from analog to digital.

Curious Exhibition

CPAC’s latest exhibition, titled "History Reimagined," is certainly intriguing and sparks debate. This showcase features three artists whose work is exclusively generated through artificial intelligence, without any use of traditional photography tools like cameras. There are no photoshoots, no controlled lighting, and no subjects waiting to be captured on film.

The curator of the exhibition, Samantha Johnston, who is also the executive director of CPAC, is taking a bold step. By collaborating with artists who rely on AI, she risks criticism from traditional photographers. These artists use prompts entered into AI programs, which in turn create images derived from vast amounts of data stored online.

Unlike traditional photographers, these individuals do not capture images; they generate them by typing commands. Therefore, some might question their place in a photography-focused venue. However, this unconventional approach has resulted in one of the most provocative and engaging exhibitions CPAC has ever staged.

Balancing Tradition with Innovation

Curator Johnston anticipated possible backlash and proactively addressed concerns through her statements. She emphasizes that the exhibition acknowledges the significant technological innovations affecting photography, a continuation of CPAC’s mission.

Johnston selected artists who possess genuine skills in traditional photography, including Todd Dobbs, Laura Rautjoki, and Phillip Toledano. Their credibility within the photographic community lends some acceptance to their AI-generated work.

What stands out in this exhibition is the quality of the AI-generated images. Rather than simply imitating traditional photographs, these works exhibit creativity and a profound understanding of emotional engagement, challenging viewers to reckon with them as serious artistic contributions.

Exploration of Identity and Perspective

Each artist brings their unique perspective to the AI-generated works. Laura Rautjoki, for instance, creates pieces that reflect on the portrayal of women in Finnish art and media. By using AI and drawing from a data set that includes an array of visuals, Rautjoki seeks to challenge traditional male perspectives and reshape narratives around feminine identity.

In another vein, Toledano’s "Another America" series takes a fictional approach, reimagining mid-20th century New York City through whimsical, invented scenarios, such as fictional sinkholes and fantastical urban disasters. His work pushes the boundaries of truthfulness in photography and raises questions about the authenticity of images in defining reality.

Dobbs adopts a critical perspective on AI, uncovering its limitations and biases. He demonstrates how AI can only generate images based on available data, often leading to representative gaps in its outputs.

Confronting the Future of Photography

This exhibition as a whole invites visitors to contemplate AI's role in photography and art. It presents an essential question: Is AI-generated imagery an evolution of traditional photography or does it constitute an entirely separate medium?

Ultimately, this phenomenon can incite both fear and intrigue within the artistic community. As AI's capabilities expand, artists and photographers must grapple with its implications while exploring new avenues of creativity.

Visit the Exhibition

"History Reimagined" will be open to the public until April 12 at CPAC, located at 1200 Lincoln St., Denver, Colorado. The exhibition is free to attend. For more details, you can contact CPAC at 303-837-1341 or visit their website.

photography, art, technology, AI, exhibition