News Summary

Christie’s, the renowned fine art auction house, is set to host its first auction dedicated exclusively to AI-generated artworks, sparking controversy and debate. The auction, titled ‘Augmented Intelligence’, will feature pieces by various artists, including Mat Dryhurst, founder of the AI startup Spawning AI. A particular highlight of the event will be a robot that paints live, which is expected to be the centerpiece at Christie’s Rockefeller Center galleries in New York, starting February 20. This announcement has been met with mixed reviews, with critics pointing out ethical concerns regarding the use of generative AI tools trained on artists’ works without permission. An open letter demanding the cancellation of the auction has already gathered over 1,800 signatures within 24 hours.