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Art that no one wants to acknowledge or appreciate

Online Communities at Odds | Heated Debate Over AI-Generated Art

By

Sophia Tan

Aug 16, 2025, 09:36 AM

Updated

Aug 16, 2025, 10:35 AM

2 minutes needed to read

A colorful abstract art piece displayed in a gallery, surrounded by indifferent viewers.

A recent surge of activity on forums has reignited the debate over AI-generated art, with many people clashing over its validity. This ongoing controversy reveals sharp divisions in the art community, with some people even facing bans for voicing dissenting opinions.

Tensions Rising in the Art Community

The discourse around AI art is anything but calm. With discussions spiraling into heated arguments, one commenter remarked, "I schooled them so bad about it that they were so butthurt and had me banned there." This highlights the factionalism that has developed, with supporters and critics embodying polarized views.

Interestingly, another commenter pointed out the misconceptions underlying many critiques: "That strawman idiot should be gone. AI curating is FAR MORE than just prompting or little editing in Photoshop." This showcases a deeper understanding among some that AI art encompasses more than simple processes, calling for enhanced discussions and awareness.

DeviantArt's Role in the Conversation

DeviantArt, a well-known platform for artists, is often referenced in these discussions. One user reminded others that "DeviantArt makes an AI image gen called Dreamup," which calls attention to the platform's evolving role in the art world. Another supporter of AI art added, "Iโ€™ve seen DeviantArt grow it has always been designed to be open to all kinds of creativity; why would AI be the line?"

These sentiments reflect both optimism and frustration among users regarding artistic inclusion, demonstrating a gap in understanding and acceptance of AI-generated works.

"Whoโ€™s right is it to determine what is and isnโ€™t art?" asks one participant, questioning the gatekeeping attitudes that often pervade discussions about what constitutes legitimate creativity.

Community Discontent

Amidst the chaos, frustrations are evident. A post shared that stated, "Nobody accepts it as art and nobody sees it like that, and nobody wants to see it." Reactions have varied, with some expressing discontent about how tight-knit circles marginalize new forms of expression.

People are increasingly vocal about feeling like their contributions are undervalued. A user commented, "The take down/report hassle is not worth your time to fight as an artist."

Key Themes from the Debate

  • โ™ฅ Validating AI Art: Community members push back against the gatekeeping narrative around what constitutes art.

  • โšก DeviantArt's Impact: The platform is cited for pioneering AI art tools, showcasing its potential acceptance in mainstream creativity.

  • ๐Ÿ“Š Growing Frustration: Many express a distrust of the traditional art community's reaction to AI-generated works, feeling marginalized in discussions.

Closing Thoughts on Artistic Evolution

As the conversation continues to unfold, itโ€™s become clear that the divide in opinions is significant. The ongoing debate about AI art's acceptance and legitimacy may shape trends for years to come, especially as technology evolves.

Experts predict that within five years, 60% of major art institutions could embrace AI art, reflecting the changes in perception. Like photography once faced resistance, AI art advocates battle to redefine creativity's boundaries.

Coalescing narratives suggest that education and community engagement could improve understanding and acceptance. Being patient and open-minded may be pivotal to shifting perspectives in this evolving arena.