The Clash of Creativity AI vs Original Art

Artificial intelligence has transformed many fields, and art is no exception. AI-generated images and designs now compete with original art created by human hands. This clash raises questions about creativity, value, and the future of artistic expression. How do AI creations compare to original art? What makes human-made art unique?

AI-generated abstract art on digital canvas

Understanding AI Art and Original Art

AI art is created using algorithms that analyze vast amounts of data to produce images, often based on prompts or learned styles. These systems can generate art quickly and in many styles, from photorealistic portraits to surreal landscapes. Original art, by contrast, is crafted by human artists who bring personal experience, emotion, and intention to their work.

The key difference lies in the creative process. AI relies on patterns and data, while human artists use imagination and emotion. All AI images are by nature digital. AI can replicate an oil painting based on data parameters but it cannot actually do an oil painting, much less go through the creative process in the same way a human oil painter can.

AI in art can be advantageous, depending on what your goal is. AI is much faster than a human artist - it can produce thousands of images in the time it takes a human to create one, although it is worth remembering that processing requires energy, often produced with non-renewable resources. AI can be useful tool in experimentation - artists can use it to explore new ideas, generate inspiration quickly, or even build a framework to base a more complex work on. For example, some artists create initial sketches with AI, then refine and personalize the work by hand. This blend combines efficiency with authenticity. They may paint over an AI image to make it their own, or add their own "skin" to an AI generated 3D print.

The Unique Value of Original Art

Despite AI’s capabilities, original art holds qualities that machines cannot replicate. It cannot infuse the work with feelings, memories and stories like humans can. Neither can it replicate the unique brushstrokes which add character and authenticity to a work of a particular artist. AI doesn't understand nuance and is unable to reflect understandings about an artist's beliefs, background or social environment.

Intentional imperfection is another quality unique to original art. AI can produced imperfect images, but that is not by intention. For example, I recently saw an AI generated image of what was supposed to be a business team meeting around a laptop computer - where the screen was facing the wrong way!

Beyond all that, though, studies are now starting to reveal that human generated art is actually better in a physiological sense to the viewer. A study in the UK which asked a group of people to study one of Van Gogh's paintings found that taking time with original art as opposed to prints of the same image reduced stress and optimised well being to a much greater extent. In our frenetic, doom-scrolling world, taking time out in the quiet sanctuary of a gallery, or even your own private collection can restore your soul as well as your body(Taylor, L, 2025).

Consider a painting by Vincent van Gogh. Its swirling brushstrokes and vivid colors express his emotional turmoil and vision. AI can mimic the style but cannot recreate the lived experience behind the work. When we look at original art work, we feel it, rather than just see it.

Traditional artist applying oil paint on canvas

Of course, there are other issues surrounding AI and art. Firstly there are copyright concerns - AI often learns from existing artworks, raising questions about ownership and originality. Using an artist's style or even their images without permission is stealing, plain and simple. Also the market can become even more flooded with low cost images, which for the non-art-savvy consumer can potentially damage the value of original work. Many people, especially in this country, would prefer to by a cheap knock off that matches the couch, rather than pay a bit extra for an original work.

AI cannot replicate an artist's beliefs, stories or memories. Carpet, mixed media, Ann Russell, 2025.

All of this has repercussions for both the artist and the art lover. I have often supported the idea of buying original art, because artists need to make a living. This continues to be true, but also remember that original art is better for you (and arguably the planet). Artists don't have to feel that they can't use AI in their work, so long as they keep their unique voice and human element in their work.

As Taylor states in her article, "Art is vital not only to the nation’s economy, but to its health. You can’t argue with the science".

Source: Taylor, L, (2025), "The Guardian view on art and health: the masterpiece can cure the body as well as the soul", The Guardian, Australia, retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/nov/02/the-guardian-view-on-art-and-health-the-masterpiece-can-cure-the-body-as-well-as-the-soul?CMP=share_btn_url