Art in the Time of Robots: An Analysis of Artistic Reactions to the Epidemic of Technology

Abstract

This dissertation explores landmarks within the invention of photography, a reappraisal of photographic criticism and sentiment in the late 1900s, and the similarities of contemporary public and academic reactions which can be found in AI. History is a precious resource, and fear is often only quelled by knowledge. The first chapter explores initial photographic dispute, controversy and one of the first photographic lies. The second chapter focuses on photography’s place within a capitalist society, and contradictory reactions from academics about the Photograph. The third chapter examines AI as a medium and agent within art, anthropocentric bias against AI art, and the implications of a generative AI piece winning a photographic competition. The conclusion at the end of this document will provide a summarisation of everything discussed and established, which will combine to offer a greater understanding of the trajectory of art in the time of robots.