Midjourney, the most talked-about and possibly the most controversial artificial intelligence program of 2022.
The scenarios of merging design, art, and technology are increasingly prevalent with the introduction of artificial intelligence into our daily lives. Science fiction movies are beginning to take shape, and we are all eagerly anticipating rapid developments. Artists from around the world are experimenting, pushing the boundaries of human capability.
Midjourney is an artificial intelligence program that radically changes how we approach imagination as a dominant factor in art. It travels at cyclonic speeds and undoubtedly breathes new life into contemporary art.
Specifically, the Midjourney artificial intelligence program was created by a research laboratory led by David Holz, co-founder of LeapMotion. This program generates digital painting artworks based on user-provided descriptions. Jason Allen from Colorado used Midjourney to win first prize in Colorado’s annual art competition with his piece titled ‘Théâtred’Opéra Spatial.’
Midjourney appeared on the social platform Discord, allowing creators to share their works and express opinions and artistic concerns.
How is the Midjourney program used? Initially, you need to create an account on Discord to access the official Midjourney server. From there, you can navigate through one of the many available open chat rooms, called ‘channels.’
To create Midjourney images, type the word ‘imagine’ and then describe in text the image you want to create. Midjourney processes the data and proposes four different images, from which you can choose the one you like the most and enhance or reshape it using the program.
Does artificial intelligence threaten art? With the penetration of artificial intelligence into our lives, many ethical questions arise. Artists worldwide are ambivalent about using the Midjourney program and whether creating digital painting works with the help of artificial intelligence fits within the realm of art.
Does artificial intelligence influence art and its world? Art is a process of experimentation and pushing limits, conveying knowledge and emotions, fostering communication, and constructing coded worlds. Consequently, artificial intelligence can serve as a tool through which artists can express themselves effortlessly and without constraints.
The term artificial intelligence, or AI, has been depicted in science fiction movies featuring machines with free will, emotions, and autonomous learning abilities. It remains to be seen whether artificial intelligence defends art or attempts to oust it from its throne. The Midjourney program ‘copies’ techniques and styles of artist creators to produce original digital images, so who claims intellectual property rights over these new creations?
It is only a matter of time before we learn about the changes that artificial intelligence can bring to the field of art, as we have known it to date, and whether it can coexist with it or overlap it.