Abstract
The present study examines the aesthetic and theoretical tensions that AI-generated art introduces to traditional notions of creative subjectivity, focusing on the “de‑authorship” dilemma. The advent of generative AI platforms such as Stable diffusion, DALL·E and Midjourney has precipitated a paradigm shift in AI-driven imagery, challenging conventional frameworks of authorial intent. This shift has spawned legal disputes and critical debates around creativity and ownership. By revisiting Roland Barthes’s “The Death of the Author” and Walter Benjamin’s theory of mechanical reproduction, this study traces the historical lineage of de‑authorship—from Marcel Duchamp’s readymades to contemporary AI‑driven portraiture. Through analysis of key case studies, including the AI‑generated Portrait of Edmond Belamy and The Next Rembrandt project, it reveals how non‑human agents redefine the boundaries of artistic agency. Drawing on Donna Haraway’s Cyborg Theory from a posthumanist perspective, the study explores the collaborative dynamics between human creators and machine intelligences and investigates the ethical implications of co‑creative processes. It posits that, rather than undermining artistic subjectivity, AI functions as a “distributed” creative partner that amplifies—but does not replace—human ingenuity. This standpoint challenges the traditional human‑machine binary, proposing a model of “polycentric” subjectivity in which multiple agents contribute to artistic creation. In conclusion, this paper offers adaptable critical frameworks and policy recommendations to balance technological advancement with humanistic values. By advocating transparent authorship protocols and integrative curatorial strategies, it provides a foundation for preserving artistic integrity and acknowledging shared creative ownership in the era of algorithmic co‑production.
Presenters
Fei LuStudent, PhD Candidate, Tsinghua University, Academy of Arts & Design, Beijing, China
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2025 Special Focus—From Democratic Aesthetics to Digital Culture
KEYWORDS
De-authorship,AI-generated art, Creative subjectivity, Posthumanism, Co-creativity, Roland Barthes
