Meet Ai-Da: The 5-Year-Old Robot Artist Making History at Sotheby’s
At just five years old, Ai-Da is already leaving her mark on the world. This groundbreaking humanoid robot has delivered a TED Talk, served as an artist in residence at the prestigious Glastonbury Festival in 2022, and even had her artwork exhibited at the United Nations. But now, Ai-Da is poised to make headlines again as she prepares for the first-ever auction of a robot-created artwork at Sotheby’s in London.
A Portrait of Alan Turing
Ai-Da, depicted as a female robot with striking large eyes and a brown wig, has created a large, mixed-media portrait of Alan Turing, the iconic mathematician and father of artificial intelligence. This unique piece, expected to sell for as much as $180,000 at auction this November, showcases Turing’s face through a blend of blurred brushstrokes, giving the painting an almost haunting quality. Each piece she creates is not just an artwork; it’s a product of intricate AI algorithms, a bionic arm, and high-tech cameras in her eyes. When Ai-Da signs her work, she simply uses “A” to mark it as her own.
A New Era of Art
Dubbed "AI God," the portrait is more than a striking image; it represents a significant milestone in art history. Aidan Meller, the founder of the Ai-Da Robot studio, emphasizes that what sets Ai-Da apart from other AI-generated art is her tangible, physical form. "This is the first time a work from a robot of this type has ever come to auction," Meller stated. Proceeds from the sale will be reinvested into the robot project, which was developed in collaboration with AI specialists from the University of Oxford and Birmingham University in the UK.
Michael Bouhanna, head of NFT and digital art at Sotheby’s, notes that Ai-Da’s work is part of a collection that "pushes the boundaries of artistic creation today." He believes this auction prompts essential discussions about how we perceive and engage with art in our ever-evolving technological landscape. As Ai-Da articulates, "My artwork encourages reflection on the relationship between humans, machines, and creativity."
In addition to her Turing portrait, Ai-Da has explored various subjects in her work, even creating portraits of high-profile celebrities like Billie Eilish and Sir Paul McCartney, along with her numerous self-portraits.
Get Ready for the Auction
The "AI God" portrait will be auctioned as part of Sotheby’s Digital Art Sale, which runs from October 31 to November 7. With an estimated value of between $120,000 and $180,000, art enthusiasts are eager to see how this innovative blend of technology and creativity will resonate in the auction world.
The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts.
