Can AI-Tools Replace Traditional Art Curators?

—By Ilya Gut, an Investor, specialising in leveraging Web3 to solve real World problems—

As someone deeply involved in the Web3 space, I’ve seen firsthand how technology like AI and blockchain can revolutionise industries. But when it comes to the intricate world of art curation, I’m here to tell you: not so fast. While AI has its advantages, it can’t replace the human touch that a traditional art curator brings to the table.

AI tools can process data at amazing speeds. Imagine an algorithm that can sift through thousands of artworks, reviews, and historical data to curate an exhibition in a fraction of the time it would take a human. The scalability is something traditional curators can’t match. Additionally, humans are inherently biased.

We favour certain styles, periods, and artists, often without even realising it. AI can be programmed to make selections without these human flaws, offering a more equitable platform for artists of all backgrounds.

Imagine walking into a gallery that changes in real-time based on visitor interactions. 

AI can adapt quickly, altering the displayed art based on real-time data like visitor engagement or emotional reactions. It’s like having a living, breathing gallery. Moreover, AI tools can make art curation accessible to the general public. With user-friendly interfaces, anyone can curate a digital art gallery, democratising the world of art curation.

But let’s not get carried away. Art isn’t just about pixels on a screen or paint on a canvas; it’s about the story, the history, and the emotional resonance. Human curators understand this context and can weave a narrative that AI simply can’t grasp. They can create thematic exhibitions that resonate on a deeply human level. 

While AI can analyse data, it can’t feel. A human curator can sense the emotional impact of an artwork, understanding how it will resonate with an audience. This emotional intelligence is irreplaceable.

Ethical considerations also matter. The so-called “unbiased” selections of AI can be 

a double-edged sword. If not carefully designed, algorithms can perpetuate existing biases. Human curators, with all their flaws, can at least be held accountable for their choices. And let’s not forget the joy of discovery. There’s a certain magic in stumbling upon a hidden gem of an artwork, something algorithms can’t replicate. Human curators bring this sense of discovery and wonder that enriches the art experience.

In conclusion, while AI offers exciting possibilities for the future of art curation, it’s not ready to take over just yet. The human element – our ability to understand context, feel emotions, and discover the undiscovered – makes traditional curators irreplaceable. 

So, while we should welcome AI as a tool to aid in the curation process, let’s not forget the invaluable role that human expertise plays in making art truly come alive.

About The Author
Ilya Gut, an Investor, specialising in leveraging Web3 to solve real World problems.

Founder of Bart – The AI-powered platform to modernise art evaluation. Bart is modernising the Art space by offering digital artists new evaluation tools, including modern AI tools that can analyse digital art. This allows artists to understand the true value of their work. At Bart, AI meets NFT to give both new and existing artists an objective way to evaluate their work with NFTs securing these evaluations on the blockchain.

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/gut-ilya/

Bart – https://bart2.art/