AI technology has made significant strides in recent years, yet one area where it falls short is in its ability to gauge social cues effectively. Hyperallergic reports that after an individual known as X shared an AI-generated interpretation purporting to “complete” a painting by the late iconic artist Keith Haring, critics are once again raising concerns about the ethical frontiers continually pushed by this technology. The original artwork, named “Unfinished Painting,” carries profound emotional symbolism. Crafted by Haring in 1989, a year before his passing from AIDS-related complications, the piece features a series of designs in his distinctive style commencing in the upper left corner in shades of purple and black. However, the pattern is abruptly truncated, save for a few paint drips cascading down the white canvas.
The painting serves as a poignant commentary on the premature loss of lives during the HIV/AIDS epidemic, including Haring’s, with the blank space playing a pivotal role in conveying this message. In response to a tweet from artist Brooke Peachley in 2023 paying homage to “Unfinished Painting,” @DonnelVillager remarked, “The narrative behind this artwork is incredibly poignant! With AI, we can now finalize what he left incomplete!” alongside the AI-generated image. The ensuing backlash was swift and vehement, propelling X’s algorithm to catapult the tweet into virality (amassing 30 million views at the time of writing). Reactions ranged from disapproval and outrage to commendation for inciting a reaction. Peachley expressed that regardless of intent, the post was disrespectful.
“Ppp1Not only does ‘finishing’ the painting completely erase its original significance, but it also disregards the memory of the numerous queer individuals who succumbed to the AIDS crisis in the ‘80s and ‘90s,” she conveyed to Hyperallergic. Donnel informed NBC News that the tweet was intended humorously and later released a statement on YouTube to clarify his stance. The majority of the six-minute video revisited how others interpreted and responded to his post, with him reiterating that it was meant in jest. Concluding the video, Donnel highlighted, “I wasn’t even the first person to do this,” showcasing an Instagram post featuring a distinct AI-generated rendition of the painting.
Whether deliberate or not, Donnel’s action was destined to provoke a reaction regarding generative AI’s intersection with art. Artists have taken legal action against firms for utilizing their creations to train AI models, thereby testing the boundaries of copyright infringement. Haring was among the 16,000 visual artists reportedly utilized to train AI generator Midjourney’s models following a leaked roster. “Generative AI is detrimental to artists worldwide, as it appropriates not only our existing work without consent to construct its databases but also our livelihoods, and it does so without authenticity or finesse,” Peachley remarked. (An AI-generated comedy special featuring the late comedian George Carlin is also mentioned.)
