What happens when artificial intelligence picks up a paintbrush—or, rather, a digital one? Meet Botto, the AI-driven artist that’s been making waves in the art world by selling artworks for millions of dollars.
At first glance, Botto might just seem like another AI experiment.
But this isn’t just an algorithm spitting out random colours on a canvas. Botto’s creations are auctioned off like fine art, earning it a spot among some of the most lucrative artists today.
Let’s dig into how it works, why it’s controversial, and what it could mean for the future of art and creativity.
What (or who) is Botto?
Botto is an AI developed to create digital art.
Unlike traditional artists, it doesn’t hold a brush or physically craft anything. Instead, it uses algorithms to design pieces that rival works from human artists.
Here’s how it works:
- Botto generates thousands of visual art concepts.
- A community of users votes on the best ones.
- The top-voted works are then minted as NFTs and sold at auctions.
And people aren’t just buying—they’re bidding big!
Botto’s works have collectively earned millions of dollars since its debut.
In October 2024, Botto’s Sotheby exhibition – ‘Exorbitant Stage: Botto, a Decentralized AI Artist’ – closed after raking in a grand total of $351,600 (approx R6.6 million) in sales across six lots.
What Botto and AI art means for creativity
Some argue that Botto isn’t just making art; it’s redefining what art even means.
Here’s why:
- Collaborative creation: The AI doesn’t decide what’s “good.” The community votes, making the process a mix of human and machine input.
- Blurring lines: Botto challenges the idea that art must come from human emotion or experience. Its works are both detached and deeply connected to human judgment.
- Massive reach: Botto’s creations live in the digital world, accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
But with all this success, not everyone is cheering.
The controversy around AI art
AI art has sparked heated debates.
The fans say:
- It democratises art by letting anyone own pieces of high-quality work.
- AI can push the boundaries of creativity, inspiring new techniques and ideas.
The critics argue:
- It lacks soul, emotion, and the raw humanity of traditional art.
- By using algorithms trained on existing works, AI tools like Botto risk plagiarism or eroding the value of human artistry.
And then there’s the money.
With millions pouring into Botto’s digital art, some question if the art world is becoming more about profit than passion.
What’s next for AI art?
Whether you love or loathe it, AI art isn’t going away.
Here’s what we might see in the future:
More AI artists:
Botto is just the beginning. Other AI-driven creators could follow, further changing the market.
Hybrid art forms:
Expect collaborations between human artists and AI to become more common.
New ethical questions:
Who owns the rights to AI-generated art? And where’s the line between inspiration and theft?
A personal take on AI art
I once watched a friend paint a mural on a brick wall. It took weeks—sketching, climbing scaffolds, and battling rain.
It was beautiful, not just because of the final product but because of the effort and emotion behind it.
Can AI replicate that?
No.
But can it create something visually stunning and thought-provoking?
Absolutely.
As Botto’s millions prove, there’s clearly a place for AI in the art world. The challenge is figuring out how it complements, rather than replaces, human creativity.
