Fact Checked by 
The fine art auction house Christie’s is going all in on the world of artificial intelligence as it announces a controversial ‘first auction solely offering artworks created with AI.’
On Friday (February 7) the British company which operates around the world announced the news, stating that “the sale challenges us to rethink the limits of artistic agency” but many have criticized the company for doing so.
Several artists to be included have been named, with more than 20 lots to be featured. The sale will include a selection of artists from NVIDIA’s AI Art Gallery too.
Enter the world of Augmented Intelligence, Christie's first auction solely offering artworks created with AI. Featuring works from @refikanadol, @clairesilver12, @vanarman, @hollyherndon @matdryhurst and more, the sale challenges us to rethink the limits of artistic agency. pic.twitter.com/MwNZbQPDte
— Christie's (@ChristiesInc) February 7, 2025
The event is scheduled for 20 February – 5 March, with the art for sale on view at Christie’s Rockefeller Center galleries in New York.
Nicole Sales Giles, VP and Director of Digital Art Sales, Christie’s, said in a press release: “We are thrilled to announce ‘Augmented Intelligence’, an auction dedicated exclusively to AI Art.
“The sale features extraordinary works created by some of the most innovative minds, spanning from early AI pioneers of the 1960s to contemporary artists. The auction redefines the relationship between art and technology, showing collectors human agency in the age of AI in Fine Art.”
Petition created to urge Christie’s to cancel the AI art auction
While those in the industry are likely happy to see the expansion, not everyone is thrilled with the idea as backlash started to come in through social media. Shortly after, a petition was started to prevent the auction from taking place.
🔴CALLING ALL ARTISTS🔴@ChristiesInc is planning an AI art auction expected to bring in over $600,000 to creators who've used models trained on copyrighted material from non-consenting artists.
If you object to this, please sign this open letter.https://t.co/KOob6kuTyd pic.twitter.com/WhEkVaRmqP
— Reid Southen (@Rahll) February 8, 2025
A concept artist named Reid Southen posted the petition to his X account, with it now having gained almost 350,000 views on the social media platform. He states: “@ChristiesInc is planning an AI art auction expected to bring in over $600,000 to creators who’ve used models trained on copyrighted material from non-consenting artists.”
The open letter he links to expresses concern over the upcoming auction and asks that if they “have any respect for human artists, you cancel the auction.” So far, a total of 3,442 (as of February 10) have signed the petition.
Featured Image: AI-generated via Ideogram
