Not Paper Crafts
When I first heard of the Arts and Crafts movement, I thought it had something to do with paper crafts and scrapbooks; what the term “arts and crafts” is generally associated with today. However, that was not the case for this influential art movement in the 19th century.
The Arts and Crafts movement, known for its philosophies and ideals rather than a particular art style, is said to have formally started in the 1860s in the U.K. Prominent influences such as the writer John Ruskin, and architect Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin (A.W.N. Pugin), criticized the cheap mass production of products, labour conditions and social ramifications of the new factories that came about due to the industrial revolution. They also advocated for the revival of Gothic architecture which they saw as the moral and aesthetic ideal.
William Morris, a British textile designer, architect and socialist activist inspired by Ruskin, would also advocate for the return to the handmade craftsmanship and artisan work. He also focused on removing any distinction between decorative art and fine art, taking inspiration from nature, and designing with function in mind.
The Red House is attributed as the first building of the Arts and Crafts movement for its simplistic design, and Gothic influences, contrasting its Victorian counterpart.
Why AI Art?
Reading about the movement and its anti-industrialist views, I was reminded of the recent spread of AI art and the ethics of it. Although this new development in AI won’t cause another industrial revolution (for now), it is morally questionable in the realm of art. The developers of these specifically-trained AI take advantage of any artwork online regardless of whether permission is given. They are arguably pushing to replace artists, rather than create a tool for them.
It makes me wonder if there will be a movement in opposition to the rise of AI art, similar to the Arts and Crafts movement, which values the creativity and skill of the individual. Recently, I have been seeing more and more people speak up on social media, informing the public of the negative effects that AI art will have on not only the art community but humanity as a whole. As someone who intends to pursue a career closely related to art, it is both fascinating and scary to think about how far AI will develop. Will there be another John Ruskin, another William Morris to lead this fight?
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