A SOTHEBY’S auction on October 31 is set to feature a groundbreaking piece of art created by an unconventional artist—a humanoid robot named Ai-Da. Known for her ability to paint using A.I. algorithms, robotic arms, and camera-enhanced eyes, Ai-Da’s latest work, titled A.I. God: Portrait of Alan Turing, is expected to sell for between £120,000 and £180,000.
The auction marks the first time Sotheby’s will offer an artwork created by a humanoid robot. Ai-Da’s creator, Aidan Meller, collaborated with scientists from Oxford University to build the robot artist, who has gained international recognition for her unique approach to blending technology and art. Meller said: “Art is a way of discussing the incredible changes in society brought on by technology.”
Ai-Da’s portrait pays homage to Alan Turing, the famed mathematician and early A.I. pioneer, who cracked Nazi codes during WWII and laid foundations for modern computing. Turing, who faced persecution for his sexuality, was posthumously celebrated for his contributions to science and A.I.
The artwork captures Turing with fractured and shadowed forms, reflecting the struggles he endured and the concerns he raised over the potential risks of A.I. development. Meller noted that the portrait, featuring dark and broken facial lines set against shadowy backgrounds, “hauntingly evokes Alan Turing” and his cautions regarding artificial intelligence.
Ai-Da’s work was recently displayed at a United Nations summit on A.I. in Geneva and has been praised for sparking discussions on the intersection of art and technology. In 2022, Ai-Da also made history as the first robot to address the British Parliament, where she discussed her work before the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee.
With proceeds from the sale directed to Ai-Da’s ongoing development, the auction not only represents a pivotal moment for digital art but also a poignant tribute to Turing’s legacy and the evolving role of A.I. in creative fields.
