“AI God”, the portrait made by the robot Ai-Da will be auctioned at Sotheby’s

This is the first time in history that a work created by a robot has been sold at a major auction.

Published: October 22, 2024

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Robots are going further and further. This time it is Ai-Da , the first ultra-realistic humanoid, who will auction off one of her works for the first time . This artificial intelligence creation is capable of painting and drawing autonomously, as well as creating poetry and artistic performances. Since her creation in 2019, the “robotic artist” has been at the centre of debates about the future of art and technology.

Turing portrait could fetch over $100,000

The work to be auctioned is a portrait of British mathematician Alan Turing , entitled ” AI God .” This framed portrait measures 2.5 meters in height, and will be the focus of an online auction organized by Sotheby’s . It is expected to fetch an estimated value of between US$120,000 – US$180,000 .

It has been described as a “disturbing” representation of Turing, one of the pioneers of modern computing and a key figure in the development of artificial intelligence, who warned about the potential risks of this technology as early as the 1950s.

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Ai-Da's portrait to be auctioned — The portrait is named “AI God”. Source: ai-darobot

What is known about Ai-Da

Ai-Da , was designed to resemble a woman, with large eyes and a brown wig. She uses artificial intelligence algorithms along with cameras in her eyes to create art. Her robotic arm allows her to paint autonomously, without human intervention , which has led many to question the limits of creativity and the role of machines in art.

Since her first solo exhibition at Oxford University, the painter has shown her works in prestigious museums and international events, such as the Venice Biennale and the London Design Museum.

Aidan Meller, gallery owner and founder of the Ai-Da project, explained that the work reflects Turing’s warnings about artificial intelligence and the complexities that humanity faces when integrating these technologies into its daily life.

Ai-Da during an event — Ai-Da Aidan Meller at the Founders Forum in June 2024. Source: ai-darobot

The “ AI God ” portrait is just one of many works by the humanoid, which include paintings, sculptures and performance art, all designed to spark debate about the impact of transhumanism and the fusion between the organic and the inorganic.

Portrait painted by Ai-Da without help — One of Ai-Da’s works. Source: ai-darobot

The auction, which will take place from October 31 to November 7 , promises to be a turning point in the world of digital art and artificial intelligence. As the first humanoid robot to auction a work of art at a house as important as Sotheby’s, it not only questions the limits of artistic creation, but also the evolution of the concept of “artist” in the technological age. If you haven’t seen this artist at work yet, we’ll show you how she is doing in the following video.