The latest AI image generators like DALL-E 2 and Stable Diffusion can visually depict nearly any prompt with striking realism. Want to see van Gogh's Starry Night reimagined with anime characters? They can remix classic art or fabricate entirely new compositions.

Legal Quandary

But this unlimited flexibility triggers thorny legal questions. Copyright law protects creative works. If AI mimics specific protected images too closely, it risks accusations of infringement. DALL-E prohibits certain prompts likely producing knockoffs. Artists also worry AI art lacks human originality.

Creativity Versus Emotion

Defenders argue AI art contains substantial transformations, and human prompts guide the overall process. They compare AI digital brushes to non-digital tools used expressively for centuries. However, critics counter that AI lacks intentional emotion and life experiences fueling exceptional people-made art.

Responsible AI Artists Emerge

Many artists use AI responsibly, creatively integrating it into their unique styles without mimicking others' work. For example, artists might craft an original sculpture, then use AI to render multiple lighting or color variations. Such augmentations can save creators time while still showcasing individual aptitude.

Could AI Become Truly Creative?

As research into artificial general intelligence progresses, perhaps future AI systems could scientifically achieve creativity and even consciousness. They may invent entire art movements we never conceived. For now though, modern AI remains narrow - extremely skilled at embellishing art within programmed guardrails but incapable of the spark of human genius.

Ongoing Evolution

The debate around AI authorship and ownership seems poised to intensify as capabilities improve. But responsible implementation can allow AI art to flourish legally and creatively - for machines and people alike.