Vivienne Westwood once said that the responsibility of an artist is to exteriorize themselves to obtain their vision of the truth of the world and that in this equation, the artist is never responsible for our desire to see the world through their eyes. If the concept of art has yet to reveal its significance to you, or if you’re still awakening to its true purpose, let me introduce you to the baseline of this immense and immersive world: self-expression.
Art’s sole purpose is to help us find our truth in life—to see, smell, taste, listen, and feel beyond the senses we possess. Yet, we seem to be drifting away from this purpose, as art has become more popularized and monetized. As the world of creativity becomes a commodity, artists are confronted with a reality where the very thing that once fueled their self-expression becomes clouded by external expectations, pressures, and profit motives.
This article may not necessarily defend AI’s role in the creative industry, but I invite you to follow me to the end and decide for yourself.
The Artist’s Struggle
My art is about me, not about you. It’s personal, raw, and rooted in truth, not validation. Yet, in an era where art is increasingly put on display for attention and profit, its essence becomes diluted. What once was an intimate pursuit of self-expression is now shaped by algorithms, trends, and external expectations.
As AI emerges to “simplify” creativity, we begin mistaking convenience for depth. It provides an illusion of uniqueness—allowing anyone to generate something emotionally striking without enduring the struggle, the evolution, or the soul-searching that true artistry demands. But when art no longer originates from within, is it still art?
Convenience or Compromise?
Of course, there are undeniable advantages to using AI in the creative process. It can help brainstorm ideas, automate repetitive tasks, and simplify many elements of production. In theory, it’s an excellent tool for easing the burdensome side of creativity. AI can democratize access to artistic expression, giving those who may not have traditional skills an opportunity to explore their imagination. For some, it becomes an extension of their vision rather than a replacement for creativity itself.
The True Cost of Convenience
Some of the greatest works of art in history were created without the aid of machines, and these pieces didn’t come from shortcuts. They were born from human struggle, emotion, and the need to express something that the external world couldn’t contain. In fact, many of the most profound creations required more than time; they demanded sacrifices, risks, and vulnerabilities that AI can never replicate.
However, dismissing AI entirely would also ignore the reality that technology has always been part of artistic evolution. Photography once faced similar resistance when it challenged traditional painting, yet it became a widely accepted and celebrated art form. The key difference, however, is that AI doesn’t just provide new mediums; it has the potential to create art autonomously, raising ethical questions about authorship, originality, and authenticity.
Finding Your Truth
Everyone has room to argue in their favor, and you are free to not share my vision. Ultimately, this article—whether written entirely by me or aided by AI—asks one crucial question: What is your truth? In the world of art, where the lines between human and machine are increasingly blurred, this question becomes even more important. Whether you’re creating art or consuming it, the purpose is the same: to find your truth.
So, perhaps this isn’t just about whether AI should be allowed in the creative world. It’s about how we, as individuals, choose to engage with the art we create and the art we experience. Are we merely seeking to «save time» or are we seeking to unveil the unseen? AI is just a machine that is fed with our knowledge and experiences; it needs a previous input of true art to create, and it will still never be as raw as art in its truest form.
If we decide to embrace AI in our creativity, let’s remember this: it’s not the tool that defines art, but how we choose to use it. The power to create still lies in the hands of the artist—whether human or machine-assisted. There is a chance you are still uncertain and don’t know which side to take, and honestly, neither do I. But at least I’ve shared my thoughts, and I’ve wrestled with them. If any reader finds truth in this, then I’m grateful. But ultimately, this article isn’t for you—it’s for me.
Nonetheless, let’s pause and reflect on something I once read from a Substack user:
«I don’t care that AI is taking over the writing industry because it will never mimic the feeling of going to war with my head, battling through a hundred different stages of emotions, and finally finding the perfect match of words to create something fulfilling.»
This is the core of creativity—the process, the struggle, and the satisfaction that comes from overcoming it. AI, no matter how advanced, can’t replicate this. It can’t understand the personal journey that goes into each piece of work. And even if it can help “save time,” is it worth it?
Author: Sara Choumkha Hajji
