Implications in ethics, originality and artistic integrity

At the World Summit AI, I had the chance to sit down with Remco Janssen from Silicon Canals for a Fireside Chat, where we discussed one of the topics I’m most passionate about: artistic integrity in the age of AI. My journey started in classical and contemporary music, where I trained as a saxophonist in Paris, New York, and Amsterdam. Later, I transitioned into art curation at the Royal College of Art in London, and now, through MAIA, I focus on supporting artists navigating this new frontier of AI-generated art.
Why Artistic Integrity Matters
When I talk about artistic integrity, I'm referring to the artist’s commitment to staying true to their creative vision, even as external pressures mount. It’s about ensuring that an artist’s work reflects their own ideas and values, rather than bending to commercial trends or technological convenience. AI-generated art adds a layer of complexity to this. Unlike traditional tools, like a paintbrush, AI operates with a certain level of autonomy, often producing results that the artist might not fully control. That lack of predictability can challenge the notion of the artist’s responsibility to their vision.
I’m often asked, “Is AI just another tool?” In theory, yes—it can be viewed as a new medium for artists to explore. But in reality, it's much more complicated. Traditional tools are passive. A paintbrush, for example, only does what the artist directs. AI, on the other hand, has autonomy and unpredictability, which introduces new ethical and creative concerns. AI systems are also trained on large datasets that carry biases, potentially influencing the work in ways the artist may not have intended. This brings up difficult questions about authorship and control, especially when an algorithm plays such an active role in the creative process.
Can Artists Maintain Integrity While Using AI?
I believe they can, but it requires a thoughtful approach. First, artists need to make conscious choices about the data they feed into these AI systems. Datasets are rarely neutral, and they reflect the biases and assumptions of the cultures and societies they come from. Artists must be selective about the sources they use, curating datasets that align with their values. Transparency is also critical. Viewers should understand how AI was used in the creation process—what was directed by the artist, and what was generated by the algorithm. This kind of openness helps maintain the integrity of the work.
Another key point is conceptual control. Even though AI introduces an element of unpredictability, the artist can guide the process by shaping the parameters of the algorithm and refining its output. Maintaining clear intent throughout the creative process ensures that the final work remains a reflection of the artist’s vision.
How MAIA is Putting This Into Practice
At MAIA, we're deeply committed to upholding these principles in everything we do. At the World Summit AI, we’ve showcased eight different visual artists on our art wall, all using AI in very distinct ways. Additionally, we’ve brought live music performances to the event, blending AI experimentation with human creativity.
Another project I’m particularly excited about is the Goodmesh Concours, a multidisciplinary art contest we co-created with the creative agency Goodmesh. This year, we’re celebrating our fifth anniversary with the theme "ARTificial," inviting artists across music, dance, theater, and visual arts to explore the intersection of art and AI. With Microsoft sponsoring a "Responsible AI" prize for the most ethically sound AI-related work, we're ensuring that artists not only push creative boundaries but do so responsibly.
In short, at MAIA, we believe AI is a powerful medium that can be used with integrity—but it demands that artists make informed, ethical choices at every stage of the creative process. We’re here to support that journey, and I look forward to seeing how this conversation around AI, art, and ethics continues to evolve.
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