Artist Wins Photography Competition Using AI Generated Image

Artist Wins Photography Competition Using AI Generated Image

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in creative industries, and it's sparking debates about how to represent these new forms of art. Recently, Boris Eldagsen, a photographer from Germany, submitted an AI-generated image to the Sony World Photography Awards and won a prize in the creative open category. However, Eldagsen refused the prize, claiming that AI-generated images should not compete with traditional photography.

“Just as photography replaced painting in the reproduction of reality, AI will replace photography.”

Eldagsen's image, titled "Pseudomnesia | The Electrician," is a black-and-white portrait of two women, and it was created using AI technology. He submitted the image to the competition to spark a debate about the use of AI in the photography industry. In his statement on his website, Eldagsen argued that AI-generated images should not compete with traditional photography because they are different entities. He suggested that the competition organizers were not aware that his image was AI-generated, highlighting the need for more discussion about the role of AI in creative competitions.


The use of AI in creative industries is not new, and it's been a topic of discussion for years. Some argue that AI-generated art is not "real" art because it's created by a machine and lacks the human touch. Others see it as a new form of art that expands the boundaries of creativity. Regardless of one's perspective, the rise of AI in the creative industries is undeniable.

"With my refusal of the award I hope to speed up this debate."

AI technology has already been used to create music, paintings, and even movies. Some artists are using AI to enhance their creative processes, while others are using it to create entirely new forms of art. The use of AI in creative competitions raises important questions about what constitutes art and how we should judge it. As AI technology continues to develop, we will likely see more debates about its role in creative industries.


In conclusion, Eldagsen's refusal of the Sony World Photography Awards prize highlights the need for ongoing discussions about the role of AI in creative competitions. While some may argue that AI-generated art is not "real" art, others see it as a new form of art that expands the boundaries of creativity. As AI technology continues to advance, it's essential that we consider its impact on the creative industries and how we judge and evaluate art in the future.

“AI images and photography should not compete with each other in an award like this. They are different entities. AI is not photography. Therefore I will not accept the award.”