In 1839, when French painter Paul Delaroche first laid eyes on a daguerreotype, a revolutionary early form of photography- he supposedly declared, “From today, painting is dead.” As one of the leading academic painters of his time, Delaroche was convinced that this trendy technology, which could capture reality with unnerving precision, would send traditional painting to its grave. And sure, he wasn’t alone- many artists back then probably lost a few nights of sleep over the thought of a camera stealing their jobs.
But, as usual, reality had other plans. Instead of dooming painting to the history books, photography nudged it in a different direction. It gave birth to movements like Impressionism, where artists embraced the thrill of capturing emotion, color, and subjective experiences- aspects that photos just couldn’t quite nail down at the time. Turns out, there’s more to art than just looking like real life.
Fast-forward to today, and we find ourselves in a similar drama with AI-generated art.
An article from Word on Fire recently argued that AI art could never be “offered in love” because, well, algorithms don’t have hearts (or a habit of crying during cheesy rom-coms). Fair enough. But maybe, just maybe, AI is more of an ally than a nemesis.
I think, AI can be seen as a tool that enhances creative potential, just as photography once did for painters.
The Human Behind the Art
One of the big worries about AI-generated art is that it lacks that “personal touch” only a human can offer. The argument goes something like this: Art, especially the spiritual or devotional variety, should come from the artist’s soul, offered in a contemplative, loving spirit. Valid point. But AI isn’t exactly running off on its own to create masterpieces while we sip coffee. When artists use AI, they’re still in the driver’s seat- choosing prompts, tweaking results, and making sure their vision gets through. It’s not so different from photographers deciding on their angles and lighting.
Sure, AI can churn out pretty pictures, but it’s not doing it out of a deep sense of purpose or existential angst. That’s where the artist comes in. Tools- whether paintbrushes, cameras, or neural networks, have always been just that: tools. And in the right hands, AI can amplify creativity, opening up new playgrounds for artistic expression.
Embracing Technological Change
Remember how photography didn’t kill painting? Instead, it helped usher in things like Impressionism- where artists painted their feelings about reality rather than just its surface. In the same way, AI is offering new avenues for creativity today. And no, those avenues don’t all lead to robot overlords. Yet.
The real value of human creativity isn’t in cranking out images- it’s in infusing them with personal experience. Sure, AI can do the heavy lifting, but it’s the human touch that gives the art its heartbeat.
A New Renaissance for Art
If photography’s debut was an artistic wake-up call, AI could be seen as a new Renaissance- a time when artists get to play with fancy new toys that expand their horizons. No, AI isn’t going to replace humans (after all, it still struggles with drawing hands). Instead, it’s a chance to explore new styles, concepts, and ideas without being limited by mere technical skills.
The real magic of art lies not in the perfection of the piece but in the intention and emotion behind it. AI might generate stunning visuals, but the human artist remains at the core, guiding the process, offering a depth that only a human can bring to the table.
So, as AI starts to reshape the creative landscape, maybe we should see it less as a threat and more as an opportunity. Just like photography, AI is another tool (a very, very smart tool) that can elevate what artists can achieve. After all, AI might know how to make things pretty, but can it stay up until 3 AM questioning its life choices over a half-finished video??
Here at Lux Lab, we have used AI to tell powerful stories. creating content that illuminates the mystery and beauty of Eucharistic miracles, using digital artistry to spark curiosity about scripture, and crafting visuals that showcase moments of contemplation. AI allows us to focus on crafting narratives that resonate deeply, offering a modern bridge between ancient truths and today’s seekers.
Evangelization means stepping out to meet others where they are and using every tool at our disposal to reveal the love and truth of Christ to a world that desperately needs it. Think of AI not as a replacement, but as an extension of the creative spark God’s given us. It’s a way to reach others in fresh and meaningful ways.
By welcoming AI into the artistic fold, we open up a world of new possibilities, reflections, and creative breakthroughs. Just like the dawn of photography pushed artists to rethink their craft, AI is inviting us to step outside our comfort zones and see how technology can tell a richer story. It’s not about AI taking over but rather about enhancing our ability to connect with others through beauty, truth, and the ever-timely stories of faith.
As Pope Saint John Paul II reminds us in his Letter to Artists:
“6. Every genuine art form in its own way is a path to the inmost reality of man and of the world. It is therefore a wholly valid approach to the realm of faith, which gives human experience its ultimate meaning. That is why the Gospel fullness of truth was bound from the beginning to stir the interest of artists, who by their very nature are alert to every ‘epiphany’ of the inner beauty of things.”
and
“ 1. None can sense more deeply than you artists, ingenious creators of beauty that you are, something of the pathos with which God at the dawn of creation looked upon the work of his hands.”
So, let’s use every tool at our disposal, whether it’s a brush, a lens, or a line of code, to light up the path ahead, sharing beauty that points beyond ourselves, toward the divine.
What do you think? Can AI be a true partner in the creative process, or does it fall short of capturing the love and intention behind human-made art? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Sources:
1. Daguerreotypes by a French Traveler Who Was Among the First to Photograph the Eastern Mediterranean
2. Impressionism - The Art Story
3. For The People Collective - How did photography influence impressionism?
4. Letter of His Holiness Pope John Paul II to Artists (1999)
