The world’s first artwork created by an A.I. robot to sell at auction has set a record, fetching $1.08 million at Sotheby’s Digital Art Sale. Titled A.I. God, the work is a portrait of British mathematician and computer pioneer Alan Turing, painted by Ai-Da Robot, a hyper-realistic robot artist developed by British gallerist Aidan Meller.
Originally displayed as part of a triptych at the U.N. Global Summit, the artwork is designed to provoke thought on the “god-like” nature of A.I., encouraging discussions about its ethical and societal impacts. Ai-Da’s style, inspired by iconic works like Picasso’s Guernica and Munch’s The Scream, reflects fragmented aesthetics to symbolize human suffering and technological shifts. Sotheby’s hailed the sale as a landmark moment that underscores the convergence of art and A.I., describing it as a significant addition to the contemporary art market. Ai-Da’s creator, Meller, sees her work as a catalyst for dialogue on technology’s role in society. As a next step, Ai-Da will appear at London’s Courtauld Institute to discuss this historic sale and her role in redefining art’s future.
A.I. God, 2024
Photography courtesy of SOTHEBY’S
