Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei believes that art that can be easily replicated by artificial intelligence is “meaningless.” He argues that even great artists like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse would have had to reconsider their approach if AI had existed in their time.

Ai Weiwei’s views are part of the ongoing debate on the rise of AI, where data from artists’ websites is used to create “original” images in their style by AI.

There have been multiple class-action lawsuits filed in the US by artists whose aesthetics are popular among users of AI, with reports of thousands of images being used without permission.

Ai Weiwei expressed his concern about the focus on creating “realistic” images in art education, which he believes is rendered meaningless by AI’s ability to replicate them in seconds.

When asked whether this also applied to masters with distinct styles such as cubism, Ai Weiwei answered that “If Picasso or Matisse were still alive, they would surely quit their jobs. It would be impossible for them to still think [the same way].” He also discussed his upcoming collaboration with an AI to answer the same list of 81 questions over 81 days, a project referencing the number of days he was incarcerated by the Chinese state in 2011.

The artist also expressed concern about a future where artificial intelligence becomes so powerful that it leads to a society with only one “right” answer to significant questions, likening it to dangerous historical ideologies.

Ai Weiwei, who grew up in a forced labor camp in northwest China and has been an outspoken critic of Chinese authorities, believes in the importance of asking difficult questions as an artist, despite the potential repercussions.

He explained that it is the responsibility of artists to speak out for those without a voice and emphasized the importance of seeking inner truth through their work. Despite the risks, he remains committed to his mission of asking challenging questions and challenging those in power.