In recent years, the global art scene has undergone a dramatic transformation with the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This technological innovation has fundamentally altered artistic expression, creating a shift in how art is created and perceived. Artists can now explore digital canvases, generative algorithms, and immersive experiences that were once beyond imagination. The quality of AI-generated art is often so high that distinguishing it from traditional art can be challenging. With the Impact of AI, the Africa Art system especially has experienced a dramatic change with the influence of AI and many artists are shifting from traditional Art to use of AI.
Despite its growing popularity, AI Art has faced substantial criticism, particularly from traditional artists. This raises a critical question: Does AI art undermine the value of traditional art?
Malik Afegbua, a Nigerian artist and creative technologist, is using AI to redefine Art. Malik’s work first rose to popular acclaim when he used AI to create pieces on aging and fashion, titled ‘The Elder Series,’ by fusing contemporary aesthetics and traditional motifs while modeling African characters, giving a new perspective to aging. This series of work trended on social media and received impressive feedback. He also explores Afrofuturistic themes in his works, portraying African elements in art through the use of technology. Some of Malik’s other works include: ‘Time. Space. Portals,’ ‘African Empires,’ ‘Pride of Ikijali.’
We explore Malik’s creative process and the impact of AI on African Art:
How do you start your creative process with AI tools? Do you have a clear vision from the beginning, or does the AI help shape the concept?
M.A: Firstly, I ensure I have a story I want to tell. Do I want to create a film, documentary, fashion, or art pieces? Everything starts off in my imagination first, and AI just enhances what I already have in my head and gives me more ideas to work with. I also do not tie myself to a particular tool, so I am open to exploring tools that deliver the best results.
How do you balance your artistic vision and the outcomes produced by AI?
M.A: I train the neural network to create what I want because there are a lot of biases when it comes to the representation of Africans or Black people. So, I ensure I use my dataset to enhance what I want. Generative AI has improved the outcomes of AI art, giving me the opportunity to consistently produce images suitable for my work.
Africa can shape the ethical foundations of AI by leveraging its diverse cultures and perspectives, ensuring that technology serves the collective good.
Tunde Ogunlana, African tech advocate
What are the biggest issues you face using AI?
M.A: One of the major issues I face is representation. It’s hard to get African images and create certain traditional communities. Sometimes, I get stereotypical results. For example, when I am creating the image of an African boy, the first image that pops up is of a child in a dirty community, and this shouldn’t be. Also, contrary to what people think, AI is expensive, and sometimes it’s difficult to get the exact creation you need. But as time goes by, I believe there will be more improvement in the outcomes of generated images.
How do audiences typically respond to your AI-generated works? Do they react differently compared to traditional art?
M.A: Surprisingly, the responses have been great so far, even compared to my traditional works. I sell my AI works at very high prices, ranging from £1,000 to £10,000. The buyers understand that a lot of effort has gone into creating these works, and no one can claim ownership of them because I am selling my creative expression. AI can’t generate the kind of art I put out on its own—I put in a lot of work to get the final output. Interestingly, there are a lot of similarities between my traditional and AI works in terms of color, style, and composition. I am not assisting AI; rather, it is my assistant, so I ensure it generates works in line with my style.
The future of AI in Africa lies in our ability to make it inclusive, localize its applications, and train the next generation of African tech leaders.
Thierry Zomahoun, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences
How do you see the impact of AI in the future of art, especially in Africa? What new possibilities do you think will open up?
M.A: I think AI will create a space for imaginative collaboration and open up opportunities for people who don’t have a voice to express themselves more. I am looking forward to access to a larger dataset that includes African history, information, and context. Essentially, an African large language model could be used to solve African problems and inspire African people. However, my fear is that Africans might not fully embrace this technology and the role we play in using it to shape the future of art.
For AI to truly benefit Africa, we must focus not only on adopting technology but also on creating policies that address data privacy, algorithmic bias, and equitable access.
Nnenna Nwakanma, Chief Web Advocate at the World Wide Web Foundation
The intersection of AI and African art is not only expanding artistic possibilities but also opening up opportunities for global recognition, as it challenges conventional narratives and elevates Africa’s vibrant art scene on the world stage. As AI continues to evolve, its impact on African art will undoubtedly grow despite the criticisms it has faced. Artists like Malik Afegbua are leading the charge, using AI to create works that are not only aesthetically captivating but also culturally significant, ensuring that there is African representation in AI. It is safe to say that AI will not undermine the works of traditional artists; rather, it will generate faster results and offer new, diverse means for creative expression.
To go further on the African creative ecosystem
“Developing XR in Africa is a real labour of love” – Brian Afande (BlackRhino VR)
“XR creators have a role to play in the development of the immersive industry in Africa” – Arome Ibrahim (Experis Immersive)
XR Through The Womanist Gaze 3/3: Preserving Women Music History, with Yolanda Barton
XR Through The Womanist Gaze 1/3: Education for Women, with Judith Okonkwo
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.