Communicational artificial intelligence technology and its effects on artistic production practices

This study evaluates the artistic products generated by rapidly developing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies through the lens of the fundamental values of art. It discusses the implications of the increasing automation of the art production process, particularly in an era characterized by accelerated consumption patterns, on both the concept of art and the position of the artist. Historically, art has evolved in close interaction with societal transformations and technological advancements. These influences have led to changes in the modes of production, the nature of artistic content, and the ways art is perceived by audiences. In recent years, significant progress in AI technologies has directly transformed the processes of producing, marketing, and consuming art. The theoretical framework of this research begins with a historical examination of the concept of art, focusing on how it has been shaped by technological and social developments throughout the ages. Subsequently, the historical development of AI is explored. The study draws on a comprehensive literature review, particularly referencing Walter Benjamin's seminal work The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction, to critically analyze AI-generated art in the context of contemporary technologies. This research was conducted using a qualitative research method. In order to understand the views and experiences of artists living in Turkey, the in-depth interview technique was employed. Participants were reached through the snowball sampling method. The findings obtained from the in-depth interviews were analyzed using content analysis, and the participants' statements were categorized under themes and interpreted accordingly.The study investigates whether AI-generated artworks can fulfill the essential values of art, the extent to which they align with the human creativity intrinsic to artistic practice, and the potential risk of art being reduced to a mere commodity due to the automation of the creative process. Findings reveal a divergence in perspectives: while some artists consider AI a tool that enhances their creativity, others refrain from using it in their creative processes, believing it does not embody the core values of art. Furthermore, parallels are drawn between Benjamin's critiques of photography and cinema in his work and contemporary artists' concerns about AI-generated art. Ultimately, the study concludes that the concept of art cannot be isolated from social and technological developments, and it continues to transform in the contemporary era with the growing influence of AI. The research concludes by discussing the potential risks and transformations that may emerge as AI becomes more deeply integrated into the artistic production process.