Get ready for a groundbreaking moment in art history! Sotheby’s is set to auction A.I. God. Portrait of Alan Turing, the first-ever artwork created by a humanoid robot, Ai-Da. With an estimated value between $120,000 and $180,000, this mixed-media masterpiece will go under the hammer on October 31, and art enthusiasts are buzzing with anticipation.
Meet the Robotic Artist: Ai-Da
Imagine a robot not just programmed to perform tasks but to create art that challenges our understanding of creativity. Ai-Da, developed by gallerist Aidan Meller, is hailed as “the world’s first ultra-realistic humanoid robot artist.” Named after the visionary computer programmer Ada Lovelace, Ai-Da combines cutting-edge technology with artistic expression. Using cameras for eyes, a robotic arm, and advanced AI algorithms, Ai-Da brings a unique perspective to the canvas.
This particular portrait, inspired by the legendary Alan Turing—whose work laid the foundation for modern computing—was first unveiled at the United Nations earlier this year. Turing, famed for the Turing Test, which assesses a machine’s ability to mimic human intelligence, serves as a fitting muse for this innovative creation.
A Landmark Auction
The inclusion of Ai-Da’s work in Sotheby’s Digital Art Day Auction signals a bold step into the future of art. Meller notes that this portrait is unlike anything we’ve seen before: “With Ai-Da, there is a physical manifestation of creativity. This is the first time a robot of this type has ever come to auction, and it opens the door to exciting discussions about technology and artistry.”
Before making headlines with this auction, Ai-Da captured attention at the Glastonbury Music Festival in 2022, where it painted portraits of musical legends. Now, it’s ready to make waves in the auction world.
The Digital Art Day Auction
Sotheby’s Digital Art Day Auction promises an exciting array of works that celebrate the evolution of art in the digital age. Alongside Ai-Da’s portrait, collectors will find pieces from GRAILS: Property from an Iconic Collection and GRAILS: Starry Night, showcasing the vibrant diversity of digital art.
Editor’s Choice
Michael Bouhanna, Sotheby’s Head of NFT and Digital Art, emphasized the significance of this auction: “Ai-Da’s portrait joins a selection of cutting-edge works that, in their individual ways, push the boundaries of artistic creation today.” He believes these works will spark vital conversations about the ways we can appreciate and engage with art in the 21st century.
As the auction date approaches, all eyes will be on Ai-Da and its stunning portrayal of Alan Turing. This landmark event not only highlights the intersection of technology and art but also invites us to rethink what it means to be an artist in our rapidly changing world.